The embattled Kogi State Deputy Governor, Elder Simon Achuba has been in the news in recent times over reported misunderstanding with his boss, Governor Yahaya Bello. It is evident that all is not well with the leaders. Achuba has been out of circulation for months and he has chosen to remain silent.
The Deputy Governor is obviously on his way out but have to watch his back to avoid regretting his next move.
This evening, the online media space went abuzz with news that Achuba has defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I learnt his media assistant denied the move describing it as wicked rumour coming from the pit of mischief makers. His assistant can always speak for him in situations like this, however, he sounded more like an uninformed aide.
Achuba is been watched closely by Yahaya Bello and Edward Onoja. They know every of his moves and you bet they will not be caught unawares. Bello and Onoja are aware that Achuba is hobnobbing with PDP leaders. They know he is currently playing the cards of the opposition and are watching him like patient hawks ready to strike when he least expect.
The Deputy Governor’s deliberate silence on reports on his rift with Bello is curious. He has not come out to deny that his salary and allowances had since been stopped by Bello. He has not denied or confirm that his official residence and office has been disconnected from steady power and water supply link from government house. He has refused to show up in any official function in the last four months. He has kept everybody in suspense.
His rumoured move to PDP is not a breaking news. He is an abandoned child in the APC who have to move on to survive. His failure to make the move official coupled with his media assistant’s denial suggests he is playing hide and seek with both PDP and APC.
It is a fact that Achuba has re-joined PDP but is still holding on to his APC membership card. As it stands now, he is a ghost member in both parties. This position looks more suitable for him as he will rejoice if PDP wins next election and will claim joint victory if APC retains the state.
Achuba has been in Kogi politics for a long time to understand the game. He was in the State Assembly for eight years serving two terms under the platform of PDP. He ported to AC in 2007 and emerged deputy governorship candidate. He returned to PDP and was appointed Special Adviser to the Governor Idris Wada. He resigned from PDP again and joined Prince Audu in APC. Today he is deputy governor under APC.
Achuba seems to be weighing his options as the nation approach 2019 general elections but for how long can he continue with his hide and seek game?
– Adamu Ojonugwa writes from Lokoja.
