Experience, they often say, can’t be purchased in the open market. It is what you garner over the years that makes you distinctive, productive and impactful.
Like an old wine in a new bottle, Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole, former Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly is an household name with cognate legislative experience, rare intelligentsia, negotiating abilities, synergistic proclivities and core managerial skills rare to come by in this 21st century political leaders.
When there are concerns whether to put their faith in who can represent with zero tolerance to poor governance, the legislative wizard tick the boxes unblemished.
Give it to the man who was credited for being the longest serving Speaker in the history of Kogi State House of Assembly.
This didn’t come by accident, connection or sheer luck- it was the culmination of being true in what you believe in, loyalty, robust engagements & deliberations , fidelity, prudency, openness, accessibility, proactiveness, practicability, stewardship etc.
When he was elected Speaker, there was a general perception that his tenure won’t last long due to the ‘banana slip’ syndrome that often sweep away his predecessors.
From days, they began to count weeks, weeks drizzle to months and months jumped to years and the counting continues, even to the bewilderment of his sworn critics and political opponents.
The inimitable Rt. Hon. Speaker completed his tenure without blemish.
Going forward, it is no longer news that the same political enigma has once again put his hat in the ring for 2027 House of Representatives in Kabba – Bunu/ Ijumu Federal Constituency.
This singular act has sent jitters down the spine of would be political opponents knowing fully well the political wizardry, skills and innate abilities of Prince Kolawole to always sway the attention of the people to his side, even when the chips are down.
As it stands today , political desperation and operation pull – him – down by all means possible is now being deployed to whittle down his (Kolawole) overbearing and superfluous influence.
Known for being unperturbed and unfazed in the face of any political hurdle, the patent right owner of ‘ Divine Mandate ‘ has his eyes on the ball.
Apart from being a master – strategist in the game of politics, he is enjoying monumental support from the good people of Kabba-Bunu/ Ijumu. This might be connected to his people – first leadership acumen as first, House of Assembly member, before becoming Speaker.
Till date, any lawmaker that wants to surpass his performance as member, Kabba -Bunu House of Assembly will have to break the banks! He didn’t just represent us as a people – he touches lives meaningfully in all ramifications.
As we approaches 2027, the swan song tune reverberating the nooks and crannies of Kabba-Bunu/ Ijumu Federal Constituency is no any other one than that of Rt. Hon. Prince Matthew Olushola Kolawole. For a fact, this man has paid his dues. This is the time to compensate him for being a good representative, a very loyal & supportive party faithful and a humane personality whose love for the growth and development of his people is second to none.
No doubt, all his long years of superlative legislative capacity will be better put to use in the Green Dome of the National Assembly come 2027.
This is our time to make hay, while the sun shines!
– Iyanu Rogbesan writes from Aiyegunle – Gbedde, Ijumu LGA.
