By Engr. Ira Habib.
During the last gubernatorial election campaign in Kogi State, after attending a program at Riverton Hotel, Lokoja, I approached Dr. Ozomata and informed him that I had applied for a job opening at REA. I told him I needed the support of a National Assembly member.
He asked me which of the Assembly members from our state I believed could be of help. I mentioned Hon. TAO. His response was simple but reassuring: “He will do it, don’t worry if it’s Hon. TAO.”
To cut the long story short, on the eve of the election, we accompanied Dr. Ozomata to FGYB’s residence in Okene. There, we met Hon. TAO. In his presence, Dr. Ozomata told me he had already informed him about my application. Hon. TAO then turned to me and said, “By God’s grace, you will get the job.”
From that day forward, Hon. TAO treated my case as a personal mission. I went through three aptitude tests and two interviews. At every stage, Hon. TAO would call to check in, asking if I had been invited, how it went, and whether I felt confident about my performance. On one occasion, he called to commend me, saying he had been informed that his candidate performed excellently at every stage.
Alhamdulillah, I’ve received an employment at one of the reputable federal agencies, Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Let’s not forget: Dr. Ozomata had contested against Hon. TAO during the 2023 APC primary election. Yet, after the primary, Dr. Ozomata and his team went into the field to campaign vigorously for Hon. TAO, who eventually won the general election.
Now, imagine if Dr. Ozomata had folded his arms or worked against the party’s interest simply because he didn’t win the ticket, would he have had the moral ground to tell me, “Hon. TAO will do it”?
And if Hon. TAO were the type of politician who saw everyone who once contested against him as enemies, would he have done it?
Why am I saying this?
Because today, the only “offense” some people have committed in politics is that the eventual winner of the election wasn’t their candidate in the primary election. For that reason alone, they are now seen as enemies even if they worked for the party after the primary election.
As politicians, we must rise above bitterness and personal disappointments. Losing a primary election should never lead one to sabotage their own party. If you truly have the interest of your people at heart, you will continue to support the system even if you’re not the one flying the flag.
The fact that you were not chosen as the candidate doesn’t mean your journey ends. You can still uplift your people, support your followers, and build bridges if you support your party with sincerity.
I sincerely wish every politician would emulate Hon. TAO, who did not treat those who didn’t support him before primary election as adversaries. He extended his hand of support to me, despite the fact that I wasn’t on his side before the primary.
Hon. TAO, thank you for not denying me this opportunity. You have shown that leadership is not about favoritism or exclusion. Though you represent Okene/Ogori-Magongo, your impact is being felt across Adavi and other constituencies. That is true representation.
When I said to you, “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this support,” you told me, “Your consistent support for FGYB is enough. You deserve every support from me.”
You said I had always promoted the good image of the man who placed you where you are today, and for that, you would do everything within your power to support me.
May Allah continue to guide, elevate, and protect you for us.
I will forever remain grateful. 🙏
Thank you, Hon. TAO
