Like Woodrow Wilson of United States, the people’s governor – as fondly called – AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq might be regarded as an ardent proponent of dichotomy in politics and public administration. He doesn’t only separate governance from politics but he also “fenced” relationship with the majority of those ‘who know what’ in the opposition before the debacle of the erstwhile political lord who ruled the state like a “Czar’.
For several decades, Saraki is known for having the potential of coming out victorious in any battle and never lost on a field of unembellished ground.
He is reputable for engaging the most powerful force in the land and yet come out without blemishes. However, like the eight wonder of the world, and to the shock of the entire entity called Nigeria – a workforce of influential local political “capacities” spearheaded by the great man of the South with AbdulRazaq as its face and “Otoge” as its slogan succeed in drowning the 40 year-old dynasty. Saraki is down, both the devil and saint rejoiced. The opportunists and egocentric weren’t left behind, they gracefully paid the local drummers to beat their “Batas” to the melody of the moment. “Kilotunku ti o se? Eni tii abelori tin o n shenu wuye wuye, Kilotunku ti o se” – What drama is left of him to perform, he whose strength has been removed? Even the great Obàtàlà would have danced to the rythm of such lyrics!
Unbeknown to many, the new man at the helm of affairs has long left the festive atmosphere for calculation ground, the ingenuous Governor might have in his imaginary political voyage seen the challenges ahead and decided to nail some political bigwigs – including those that aid him get the party gubernatorial ticket – he runs an inclusive government and damned the consequences, rather than shop for influential figures for juicy state position, he employed unknown technocrats including an exceptional 26 year-old Joana Nnazua Kolo.
But what has changed? In the past regimes, Politicians are known to be very powerful, they controlled the “state” and “state apparatus” and dictate “who gets what” within the political landscape, even to the mighty Saraki. They commanded enough influence(s) to their advantage. The governor dares not linger on their decision(s) while the unsuspecting masses think their way!
Mayhap, the new Governor having crictically examined this parasitic political relationship decided not only to close the doors but also block the windows on these political jobbers.
By appointing the sons and daughters of nobody across the 16 local governments, the governor has indeed defied the Law(s), when we say Law, we mean Law and not Law. Yes! The Law(s) set by the cabals, as in, the powerful politicians. Is AbdulRazaq ready for the great fight? How prepared are these politicians too?
For Kwarans, they hailed and praised his ball game; His political backbones – that believed their faction finally ruled over the then “Akoguns” – weren’t glad, grievances appeared on the faces of political Lords and co-aspirants that conceded – to the widely condemned primaries that produced him as flagbearer – investing physically, mentally and financially to his success. Disappointment met those who wanted to command power like Lagos’ Jagaban of Borgu and Kwara’s Turaki of Ilorin. They probably can’t have an unchallenged entry into the most significant edifice along Ahmadu Bello way.
Those salivating at the dividends of the new government – after years of being sidelined by the erstwhile administration – were sent on petty errands; some, sanitation; others disparaged contracts which they couldn’t object in a way of obeying the old sayings of half bread is better than none. Who knows? It might be a test to check their faithfulness!
Howbeit, most APC grandees in the state murmured, party chieftains couldn’t hold back their discontent and the walls of the new party in power start to crack from inside, only an experienced engineer will tell the aftereffect. The 2023 politics has began.
AbdulRazaq, true to his political manifestos and determination to give the state a new look introduced new political practice by separating politics from govanance; he battled allies and crushed ties. The business mogul turned politician with closed eyes fights corruption, he spares not even the good eggs – the acclaimed progressives.
In fairness to his compliment, he rule with wholesomeness and the froward Governor detests dirty deals among other touch light works.
Nevertheless, the idea the governor might not have accepted in his imaginary dream is some concerned politicians – who were denied access to the present government – are progressive and meant well for the administration. Many times they tried to work with the Governor, many times they seem suspicious.
The insinuation that the Governor couldn’t afford to entrust potential threat with powerful appointment can’t be ruled out, is AbdulRazaq envisaging some future trouble? What chance(s) does 2023 holds for him? Let’s say he is probably building his political strength against future tide, afterall the great Tinubu starts from somewhere!
Probably if someone whispered to one’s ear that the Governor might be playing politics like a professional – 2 years to serve people in full capacity, the second half to appease the grandees – one will, but must believe.
All in all, the bewildered state stands still, as we learn exotic politics from an abecedarian politician who turned out to be a master in his game plan of making Kwara great again! In Kwara, we have a governor above the “political laws”, a governor creating his own “laws” and crushing everyone that stands his way of making Kwara work for all.