Politics is the most difficult and deadly game I have ever witnessed. Your contributions during a campaign are never a guarantee that you will be rewarded if your candidate wins. Despite enduring sleepless nights to ensure their victory, you are often expected to act like a zombie to prove your loyalty once the candidate is sworn in. Even after their victory, you must struggle more to be recognized or rewarded. You also have to be mindful of your words if you are not rewarded, lest you face punishment despite your significant contributions to the struggle.
For example, El Rufai was the first to openly declare that a Muslim-Muslim ticket could work, a statement that earned him the disdain of many non-Muslims to this day. He was also among the governors who went to court in favor of the APC presidential candidate to challenge the naira redesign policy, which the opposition sought to exploit during their campaign. But where is El Rufai today after his candidate emerged victorious?
Similarly, FGYB donated his campaign office in Abuja to support the APC presidential candidate. He also joined El Rufai and Matawalle in court to challenge the naira redesign policy against Emefiele. He assured the candidate not to worry about Kogi State, pledging to handle it personally. Key figures like the former president, the current president, the current APC national party chairman, and the former APC national party chairman lost their respective states to the opposition.
However, FGYB delivered Kogi State for the APC presidential candidate, who is now president. But where is FGYB today after his efforts contributed significantly to APC’s victory in the presidential election? He is in prison under the administration he fought so hard to bring to power. Him and Emefiele were given the same rewards.
Ya Allah, grant me the wisdom to avoid supporting anyone who would turn against me after I have helped them win an election or attain a position of power. Even if such a person is destined to win, guide me to stand on the opposition side so I may understand the justification for their actions against me.
– Engr. Ira Habib writes from Kogi state.
