By Adedayo Osho
I listened with keen interest to the recently convened 2023 general election debate for candidates of political parties by the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). Organizers of the event are worthy of being applauded, given the quality of issues raised. Bravo!
I was impressed the platform illuminates Kwaran electorates into the manifesto(es) of respective contestants; harped on the imperative of presenting people-oriented bills on the floor of the National Assembly; emphasized on the role of lobby(ing) and other legislative businesses.
Unfortunately, the flagbearer of Nigeria’s governing party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was absent. Standing on existing protocols, I learnt Mallam Saliu Mustapha addressed a letter detailing the reason for his absence and own’s manifesto for Kwara Central Senatorial District, to the conveners. Commendable, isn’t?
Midway into the conversation, I realized Mustapha seem to be the target of other candidates. This piece would not delve into demeaning, reckless statements uttered. But I think any 21st Century politician who claims to be exposed, suave or cosmopolitan ought understand that political debates address issues — not persons, religion, ethnicity or other artificial cleavage.
To be clear, pre-election debates aim to promote political tolerance and constructive dialogue – one geared towards kick-starting committed service to the people, if eventually elected.
Regardless of your perception of politicians’ public personae, you have to appreciate Mustapha’s true love for his people. Those who have been religious followers of his activities attest to that Mallam’s unassuming support for his Ilorin people. Saliu Mustapha is in a class of his own – social capital development, wise. Endearing!
Although the conveners were adversely criticized for allowing the candidates present to use foul language, the platform should be encouraged to do more in the future by well-meaning Ilorin indigenes, particularly because it offered far-reaching recommendations which will form the bedrock of other expectations by Kwara Central Senatorial District, at a time the incumbent Alhaji Yahaya Olóríẹgbẹ bows out upon achieving his best.
It is interesting to know the debate offered the perspective of one of the key players — Human Capital Development — of APC flagbearer, Saliu Mustapha.
Saliu Mustapha already has his job spelt out for him before reaching the upper legislative chamber in 2023. In a statement credited to him by popular Kwara blog, The Informant 247, he admonished in August 2022 that his network of influential Nigerians will be explored into driving traceable development into Kwara Central when elected into office; as well as sponsoring the enactment of bills which will improve the living standard of his people in the State of Harmony. Of course, the chief function of the legislature is to enact laws – a proposal to make a new law, or to change or repeal an existing law, is presented to the legislature as a bill. To become law, a bill must pass both houses (in the Nigerian case) by a majority vote and be approved by the president. An insider revealed to me penultimate Wednesday that the Turaki of Ilorin during a town hall meeting publicly charged his helmsmen to be fully prepared ahead of the daunting legislative tasks ahead, asserting that “Kwara must be great in our lifetime.”
This author is no habiographer. Interestingly, he is armed with Mallam Saliu Mustapha’s record since following the activities of the politician’s Foundation which had implemented unprecedented empowerment programme unmatched in Ilorin’s recent history. In this case, he is well qualified to vouch the incoming Senator would make use of well-qualified persons as aides, in other to deliver the greatest dividends of democracy for the greatest number of electorates in his Kwara Central Senatorial District, Kwara State and Nigeria.
Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha is with you.
Adedayo Osho is a freelance journalist based in Abuja
