Let me start by congratulate Governor Abdulrasaq Abdulrahmon (GAA) over his re-election into office as Executive Governor of Kwara State may God Almighty Allah guide and protect you to deliver devidend of democracy to the entire Kwaran.
Now to the business, fellow Kwaran,I’m aware many Kwaran still believe that politics can be taken as a full-time vocation with what play out just few days to election in kwara state where some candidate’s sold out people trust and mandates,but, I’m of the view that he shouldn’t be so, our state would be far better when leader learn how to manage people and resources in their private capacity before attaining power.the essence of my wasi (sermon) is that we shouldn’t expect much from those who gate-crashed into government.
I must say how worried I’m about our dear beloved Kwara State,yes I’m troubled because of how much we have turned kwara politics into a playgrounds of beasts just like a Nollywood movies where seriousness and patriotism are lacking.it is sad, very sad .
I must confess that whoever came up with the wise saying that Nigeria politics is dirty deserve an award for perspicacity.i followed up Kwara 2023 politics from beginning to the ends and there’s need for me to share my view for the young generation to learn and not taken those steps.
The reality of kwara politics put a lie to what they teach us in school,I remember my government teacher at mouth Carmel college oloje ilorin, that’s not where am going don’t let me deviate,and in all those seminar I attend both at FCT and other part of the country and many books , kwara politics doesn’t follow the rules of books,the theories or what the book maker says.seriously this thing we call democracy which Nigeria returned to in 1999 . after mass protest and frustration from military rules isn’t exactly the same democracy they’ve in United kingdom or United State.
My only worry at this critical time and the question begging for answer from my lips now is that how can a son of nobody that full of ideas, knowledgeable,and crisis management skills, character and integrity, vision and courage to make tough decision, effective communication skills, and above all ability to unite Kwaran will be allow to pilot the affairs of our state? after money bags has highjacked the entire process by negotiate people mandates for appointment and juice contracts will Kwaran trust those politicians in 2027? am seriously sad and worry about the future of the state.
If this continues it may take us years to have a Kwara that works for all that’s my worry.what legacy did they want to bequeath to the younger generation?
Dissent and criticism are the hall mark of true freedom and the ability to tolerate such critique is the difference between celebrated statement and despised autocrats , dictator’s and tyrant’s.it is only in Nigeria where incumbent will try all he could to buy-in opposition into his camp’s without knowing that critism is a wake up call to perform but,where is the conscience?
Some of the move of loyalist of government in power in recent time have been interpreted as a sign of panic and desperation, blocking and obstructing opposition on all fronts may actually make such candidates more popular and later try to have everyone’s into their camp’s
Finally,one good thing about democracy is activating office of citizens,up till now many Kwaran still don’t know how powerful the office is, civil society organization have to do more by let citizens know how powerful they are to strengthen our democracy.
Once again, I wish winners fruitful tenure.
God bless Kwara state.
Signed.
Comrade Lanrey Osho, is a columnist, public policy Analyst in kwara state, Human right activist, Author of Frantic view of an Accidental Vendor,and CEO Super Poultry farm gaa-saka ilorin kwara state.