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- Once upon a time, I was in the midst of some zealous Politicians, most of whom contributed to the success of the O to Ge (Enough is Enough) Revolutionary Movement that eventually ousted the fourty year old Saraki dynasty in Kwara State. Their reactions trailing the appointment of cabinet members by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazak were a mixed-metaphor dotted with spasmodic drama and temper tantrum. While some see it as loading the square pegs in the square holes others adjudged it to be a political boo-boo. That is only natural, since human beings do not share the same sentiment definitely issues must be seen from different angles. Though, I was opportuned to respond to this issue sometimes ago, but I still consider it important to be revisited, considering its sensitivity to Kwarans and keen observers of Kwara politics. Also, the local gladiators appear not to have assume equilibria position and status with the governor, but rather settle for Political hibernation. Politics is said to be; who gets what, when and how. Who and what is usually not negotiable because big heads deserve big caps. When is the appropriate time, this equally matters to politicians, and how, which describes the circumstances surrounding it. This trendy definition of politics by American Political Scientist, Harold Lasswell explains the reason behind actions and reactions of politicians when appointments are made by fellow party men and sometimes opposition party.
Even though, some politicians may not be on the same page with the governor, he has been able to achieve one thing that is inimitable and extraterrestrial to Nigerian politics, it is the unprecedented affirmative action for women. Many opinion shapers particularly within the women folk spot this development as the needed springboard for more women to showcase their God-given talent in politics and governance. Also, with the solo selection of cabinet members, supporters of the governor believed that, the appointment will guarantee complete loyalty from the appointees. As loyalty not only assures peace of mind, but certainly soothes and prepares the leader’s mind for onward administration. So the governor as the pilot of affairs of the state could be said to be in dire need of grandstanding and grounded footings which are easier to get from the new appointees than anywhere else. His Excellency has equally showed that he belongs to all Kwarans and that sets the record straight that anyone irrespective of background could make it to the least expected public office. With that the governor is taking politics direct to the heart of the people.
In the interim, many people have questioned the profile of the appointees. But one can say that its not all about profile, because evidences are there in the past where people with high profile contributed little or nothing to governance. During the Shagari administration, over 70% of cabinet members were technocrats with intimidating CVs. How come the era was adjudged the beginning of an unending economic turmoil for the country and even laced with wide spread corruption? It was so believed in some quarters that many of them even deployed their expertise to loot the economy while the unsuspecting President was blamed for the mess.
So, it is not new on the surface of the earth, neither in present political clime to see people with lesser profile occupying top positions. For instance, Prophet Yusuf was appointed minister of agriculture in ancient Egypt with no track record in the field, yet he did credibly well to offshoot his people above famine. According to CNN report, there are about 15 less qualified people in President Donald Trumps appointment. One of his nominees was a lawyer with less than three years experience, never tried a case and yet nominated to fill the lifetime position of circuit judge in Alabama.
In the eastern world, how would one explain the fearless and less experienced ruler of North Korea Kim Jong-Un? Kim, nicknamed The chairman who became the North Korean leader at the age of 27 did not only improve the standard of living of his citizens but has equally brought swagger to international politics earning him the respect of many world leaders. It is therefore possible to conclude that high profiled individuals do not have the total solution to governance deficit. The governor might just be on the right track with his action, his experiment might work, hence an appraisal or impact assessment of the appointment may be needless at this moment.
Meanwhile, Apart from the electorate who put the finishing touches to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaks forecast victory at the last poll, there exist some people whose effort contributed to his success especially within the party line, whether the governor recognizes that or not, this writer does not believe anyone is self made, one or more people must have been instrumental to the present status that we all found ourselves. In the political realm, these people are called politicians, whether they were there during the sunset or sunrise, they all deserved to be recognized at least through consultations before nominations are made. Some people have argued that the governor is only trying to build a new power pole for himself with his individualized nomination, it’s good, but looking at it the other way round, it could be estimated to mean a calculated attempt to shadow the old politicians. Some even say that the grounded politicians should have made their contribution to the governors attainment just for Kwara Liberation sake, expecting no reward. Yes, thats also good but on realist ground nothing is done for free, even on idealist cum religious ground people pray and obey God because they expect or want His Paradise, without any reward on the tenterhook from their Lord, it is not certain if anyone will worship Him. So definitely people have motives, dreams & aspirations even behind true sacrifices for people’s liberation and well being. After all, the first law of nature is self preservation, hence, movers and shakers of politics across the state, grassroots mobilizers should not be ignored, even political nuisance has his relevance at least for nuisance sake.
His Excellency should rather sophisticate his screening mechanism to decipher very credible people from the questionable ones and cohort them into his administration. The O to Ge transition period in Kwara state climaxed the convergence of some of the best brains the state has in the field of politics, so it will be totally wrong to excommunicate or under explore the goodness in these people. Not all of them could be toxic to the humble & softhearted personality of the Governor. Governor Abdulrazak has to assume the position of people’s manager alongside his executive function. Give people the opportunity to prove their loyalty, who ever fails or abuses the privilege should be hurriedly shown the way out, which is better than handing them a withholdment.
Maintaining that the governor should focus on the masses alone since governance is about doing good to the people is not distant from correctness, but some people have better know-how in the business of making the goodness materialize or otherwise, they should therefore be consulted and given their own accolade, otherwise, there is going to be clog in the wheel of politics and governance in the state. It is equally not impossible that aggrieved politicians may begin to close rank against the governor thus making the citizens to be at the receiving end. The governor also needs to inform his media team to communicate reasons behind his appointment outside popular expectations rather than put sons and daughters of Kwara in the cobweb of suspicion, tittle-tattle and propaganda which are not good for an administration that has started well.
It is not too late for the governors team to meet and jawbone on manners of pacifying the kicking politicians to be able to manage their success effectively, since success management is more difficult than success itself.
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Though not a Kwaran, I believe the writer has spoken well. This piece is unbiased and objective. Let those concerned heed the advice.