Boss Mustapha Advocates for Cumulative and Institutional Leadership

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, urged leaders to adopt leadership qualities that extend beyond personal traits, advocating for a focus on cumulative and institutional principles. He stressed the necessity for leaders to remain consistent, attentive, and prepared to take on responsibilities without seeking personal recognition.

Mustapha made these comments at the launch of the biography "The Woman I Know," which tells the story of Bilkisu Abdulmalik Bashir, the former Secretary of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), held in Abuja.

He pointed out that a central theme in the book is the value of humility paired with authority, emphasizing that humility should not be merely a facade but exhibited through accessibility, the ability to listen, and a readiness to interact with others without undermining one's position. He added that such humility enhances, rather than undermines, the quality of decision-making.

“One of the book’s significant insights is its portrayal of leadership as an institutional practice rather than an individual performance,” Mustapha remarked. He noted that at the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the balance between adherence to rules and the exercise of discretion requires careful navigation between firmness and fairness, as well as authority and restraint.

In a keynote address, Udenta Udenta, a professor specializing in African and Comparative Literature, highlighted the critical necessity for leaders to prioritize record-keeping. He stated that effective leadership in a republic hinges on the understanding of the importance of maintaining historical records.

Udenta commended Ms. Bashir for producing a work that contributes to history, fulfilling the essential need for keeping accurate records, thus serving as both a source of inspiration and a guide for national development, reflecting on her service alongside eight chief justices of Nigeria.