The race for Lugard house come November 21st is expected to be a tightly contested one for more reasons than one; the opposition party is very strong perhaps stronger and more grounded than the ruling people’s democratic party as reflected in the recently concluded general elections. More so, the incumbent governor, Idris Wada is doing so badly it seem literally anyone will beat him.
The last time the political climate in the sate looked like this, 2003, the opposition party at the state, ruling federally, successfully defeated the incumbent. Normally, one would hope history repeats itself but the character of the APC flag bearer, Abubakar Audu calls for deep thought before any rash prayer is offered. The Yorubas will say “even one who is crying sees”.
First, he is the man we voted out over a decade ago, he has several cases of embezzlement to answer to, he is basically morally bankrupt and on the face, a terrible choice even at the level of decadence we find ourselves.
The other strong contender cum incumbent governor is, simply put, a failure. Honestly, I doubt we’d be doing any worse if the seat of governor was void or even ceded to another state. Someone called him “a silent achiever”. Well, unless getting knocked around on Lokoja-Abuja highway (which wasn’t silent) is considered an achievement, I haven’t seen any laudable feat since Idris Wada took oath of office about 4 years ago. The same author, who was probably doing his paid job, named payment of salaries and allowances as one of those gigantic achievements of our captain governor that alone gives an idea of how badly our dear state is being run. Since when is paying workers what is due them considered an achievement? These are monies drawn from the national purse and tax payers’ pockets and they form the basic, if not the most important right of a worker!
We are trapped between the proverbial devil and high water, someone once advised that if found in such situation to run to the devil, the dilemma in this case is who amongst them is the devil? As if we’ve not been sunk in enough, they both parade deputies who will potentially seek to replace them.
There is Yomi Awoniyi from the PDP and Wada camp who has the traits of his boss written all over him and a virtually unknown James Faleke of the APC who we can safely assume was picked by Bola Tinubu. God forbid he ends up as governor! All Tinubu’s recruits have been woeful at best, the only one who dared to stand out, Babatunde Fashola, was witch hunted. I pray we don’t go down the path of Osun, then we’ll know how much of an achievement salary payment is or Ogun where their tyrant of a governor sacked a teacher because he didn’t like his exam questions. Jagaban must be proud.
Former Manchester united defender, Gary Neveille was asked one time to pick who he favoured to win the league between his former teams fiercest rivals—Manchester city and Liverpool, he replied “it’s like choosing which bloke nicks your wife”. For ourselves and future, I hope we consider a third party option and rescue whatever is left of our dear state.
God bless Kogi state
The author, Omonile Olasunkanmi can be reached via Giznile@gmail.com or twitter- @sunkytemmy
