In the corridors of power and on the streets of public opinion, U.S. President Donald Trump has been a figure of both admiration and controversy. With his dramatic return to the Oval Office as the 47th President of the United States, his swift execution of executive orders and policy reversals have reignited debates about his leadership style. His ability to ‘say and do,’ in quick succession, brings to mind an old secondary school sobriquet – ‘Ekwu-and-Does.’
Nicknames were a defining feature of student culture at Premier Secondary School Ukehe, a tradition so embedded that one who lacked one was considered out of place. The nickname, ‘Ekwu-and-Does’ is a re-framing of the Igbo surname, ‘Ekwueme,’ which means ‘one who says and does’ – a person known for keeping his word and following through with action. It was a moniker given to Dennis Ekwueme, a schoolmate in Premier Secondary School Ukehe. In an era when having a nickname was a badge of honour, it stood out as a mark of respect for one who walked the talk. My own sobriquet, ‘Agbedo Hench,’ was an adaptation of ‘Odo Hench,’ a moniker belonging to a senior student in Class 5 during my first year. Though I never truly understood what ‘Hench’ meant until much later, the nickname had a certain ring to it, and I was drawn to it with an almost inexplicable admiration. However, the highly regimented environment made it impossible to openly express admiration for anything that was the exclusive preserve of the ‘almighty’ senior students. The senior classes were dominated by real men headquartered in ‘Dom 2,’ some of whom were ex-Biafran soldiers who treated junior students with an air of wartime discipline.
The school was a microcosm of military regimentation, where authority was absolute and disobedience invited severe corporal punishment. It was a place where junior students were subjected to grueling tasks, often bordering on dehumanisation, under the guise of discipline. Open admiration of a senior like ‘Odo Hench’ would have been nothing short of suicidal. However, when he finally graduated, I felt safe enough to claim my own version of the nickname, proclaiming myself ‘Agbedo Hench.’ My ‘Ahiara Declaration’ (after treating my close pals to our rare delicacy – Ojindu, a bowel of soaked garri generously garnished with kwuli-kwuli) was met with a mix of laughter and ridicule. ‘Odo Hench’ – a human dynamo – was a hulking, formidable presence, while I was at best a scrawny junior. Despite the ridicule, I stood my ground. I had that inner compulsive conviction to hold onto the name, a small rebellion against the oppressive hierarchy that ruled our daily lives. Names carried power, and in a school where identity was often defined by one’s ability to command respect or navigate the labyrinth of senior-junior relations, ‘Agbedo Hench’ became my armor. Over time, it stuck, evolving from a parody into an accepted reality, shaping my persona within the school’s social fabric.
In a way, “Ekwu-and-Does’ and ‘Agbedo Hench’ endured, much like how Trump’s persona endures in the contemporary political arena – unwavering, larger-than-life, and defiant in the face of opposition. With the stroke of his pen, Trump, fueled by an ‘Ekwu-and-Does’ mindset, has signed a flurry of executive orders, dismantling key policies from President Biden’s tenure. His first week back in office has been marked by decisions that have fundamentally altered trade policies, tariff structures, immigration laws, and citizenship rights. For those who have followed his political career, this is vintage Trump – decisive, action-oriented, and unrelenting. Unlike many politicians who make grand promises on the campaign trail only to waver once in office, Trump has demonstrated a pattern of immediate execution. He campaigned on rolling back what he termed the ‘Biden disaster’ – and true to his nature, he wasted no time in reversing policies that he believed weakened America’s economic and security standing. His approach embodies the spirit of ‘Ekwu-and-Does’ – a leader who speaks boldly and acts swiftly, often to the astonishment of critics and supporters alike.
Already, the ongoing mass deportation of illegal immigrants from the United States under his administration has reignited concerns about migration policies, national identity, and the fate of thousands of Nigerians caught in the crossfire of America’s tightening immigration regulations. According to a report from Punch newspaper, 3,690 Nigerians are currently listed for deportation as part of this crackdown. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has compiled data on non-citizens facing removal orders, with Nigerians forming a significant part of the affected population. Reports have it that the streets of some US cities (notably, Little Village, a predominantly Hispanic neighbourhood on the Chicago city’s south side) are being deserted amid ICE’s renewed raids. Viewed basically as a human tragedy with profound economic, psychological, and social implications for the individuals and their home countries, the ICE’s deportation crackdown has raised pressing questions about the socioeconomic consequences for Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. Here, NIDCOM has announced the Federal Government’s readiness to welcome deported Nigerians. Meanwhile, Latin American leaders are grappling with how to respond to President Trump’s unilateral demands after he enlisted the military to fly deportees home over the weekend. Colombia and Brazil also condemned the conditions in which deportees were returned, including the use of handcuffs, a practice the agency has used in prior administrations.
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Yet, Trump’s unwavering stance on immigration aligns with his ‘Ekwu-and-Does’ persona, demonstrating a leader who not only makes bold declarations but takes decisive action to enforce them. His approach, though controversial, reinforces his image as a leader who follows through on promises, regardless of international backlash. This approach derives from an ‘Ekwu-and-Does’ mindset, one that aligns with his ‘America First’ policy, which prioritises American jobs, national security, and economic interests. This formed a major thrust of his MAGA slogan during election campaigns. As it stands now, the economic landscape of the United States is witnessing a remarkable shift as a result of Trump’s ‘Ekwu-and-Does’ approach to governance. Masayoshi Son, a Japanese billionaire, met President Donald Trump less than 48 hours after he was sworn in as the 47th President of the US and said: “Mr. President, last month I came to celebrate your winning and promised $100B, and you told me to go for $200B. Now, I came back with $500B. This is because, as you say, this is the beginning of the Golden Age. We wouldn’t have decided this unless you won…”
The Japanese billionaire is leading a consortium of three companies pooling the funds together and plans to invest the massive sum in the US over the next four years of Trump’s presidency. This remarkable development occurred in less than 48 hours without a single overseas trip by the President. It underscores the power of investor confidence in a leader with an ‘Ekwu-and-Does’ mindset and integrity. When investors trust a leader’s ability to deliver on promises, they make bold decisions, as seen in Masayoshi Son’s commitment. This shift in economic momentum demonstrates the advantages of Trump’s governance style, highlighting how proactive leadership and credibility can catalyse significant investments. It underscores the effectiveness of political will and execution, further solidifying his reputation as a leader who delivers on his commitments. Leadership that inspires confidence can yield tangible economic gains, fostering job creation and technological advancement.
In deconstructing the political calculus of action, Trump’s method of governance – executing decisions at a breakneck pace – may have its strengths and drawbacks. His ability to act swiftly without excessive bureaucratic hesitation has endeared him to his supporters, who view him as a doer rather than a talker. However, his impulsive style has also been criticized for bypassing essential deliberative processes that ensure policy sustainability and bipartisan consensus. Nevertheless, Trump thrives in an environment of disruption. His approach dismantles entrenched political inertia, ensuring that his presidency is never passive. His executive orders are not mere symbolic gestures; they actively reshape policy landscapes in ways that are felt almost immediately. Beyond the domestic sphere, Trump’s actions have global implications. His dramatic return and rapid policy shifts have sent shockwaves across the globe. His re-imposition of trade tariffs on China, renegotiation of NATO commitments, and aggressive stance on border control signal a clear departure from Biden’s internationalist policies. World leaders are once again adjusting their diplomatic playbooks, knowing that Trump’s America will be markedly different from his predecessor’s.
At this point, it may be pertinent to pause and ponder the implications and lessons of Trump’s leadership style for African political leaders. In politics, the gap between rhetoric and action is often vast. Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa, where some political leaders routinely make grandiose campaign promises – sometimes absurd ones like constructing ‘air-conditioned roads’ (kindly permit this hyperbole) – only to abandon many of them upon assuming office. A good number gets entangled in bureaucratic inefficiencies, political patronage, and personal aggrandisement. The contrast between the campaign rhetoric and their inaction is staggering as the continent is littered with broken promises and failed policies. The failure to implement policies as promised has led to widespread voter apathy, disillusionment, and in some cases, civil unrest. Citizens have watched leaders ascend to power on the backs of hopeful campaign slogans, only to renege on their commitments. Trump’s presidency, despite its controversies, provides a striking contrast. Whether one agrees with his policies or not, the impact of his immediate actions is undeniable. His swiftness in implementing economic and immigration policies, as well as trade and foreign relations, shows that a leader does not need endless committees and bureaucratic bottlenecks to execute their vision.
The Trump presidency has valid lessons for African leaders as encapsulated in these bullet points: governance must align with campaign promises; decisive leadership enhances credibility; accountability should be a guiding principle; public trust is built through visible action; economic growth requires proactive policies. If African leaders commit to Trump’s pragmatic governance, the transformation would be profound. Roads, schools, and hospitals would not remain abandoned years after project inaugurations. Economic policies would not fluctuate with every new administration. Corruption would diminish as leaders focused on delivery rather than self-enrichment. Above all, citizens would begin to trust their governments again. The failure of African governance is not due to a lack of resources but a failure of leadership. The reluctance to act decisively and execute policies is the reason many African nations remain underdeveloped despite vast potential.
In conclusion, from a secondary school nickname in Premisco High School, Ukehe located in the splendid ambience and resplendence of Ikpogwu hills to the grand stage of American politics, the essence of ‘Ekwu-and-Does’ endures as a metaphor for action-oriented leadership. Trump, whether admired or loathed, embodies this spirit. His swift execution of policies and bold decision-making reaffirm his status as a leader who says and does – one who does not merely talk the talk but walks it with unyielding conviction. As the world braces for another Trump presidency, one truth remains. Donald Trump is not just a run-off-the-mill kind of politician. He is ‘Ekwu-and-Does’ in its most potent and unfiltered form. Leadership is about action, not mere rhetoric. African leaders must embrace a results-driven approach to governance, where promises translate into policies and policies into tangible development. The continent needs leaders who embody the Trump leadership style – leaders who do not just speak but act. Until that happens, the cycle of electoral deceit and governance failure will persist, leaving African nations trapped in a web of unfulfilled promises and lost opportunities.
Agbedo, is a Professor of Linguistics, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and a Public Affairs Analyst
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