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As the countdown to the 2019 general elections gathers momentum, those with eyes on various elective positions are already evolving diverse strategies. The shift in ideological positions is becoming apparent. These gladiators are latching to any available straw in order to outwit each other.
It is quite unfortunate that in this benighted town called “Lokoja Garin Bature”, agberos, 419 kingpins, failed businessmen and other charlatans have held sway as politicians and leaders. Little wonder, the town has been engaged in “forbacky’’ dance (dancing to an end at the exact spot where it started)
But in the midst of this sordid tale, there are few Lokojans that have refused to be manacled by political opportunism. They are oasis in the desert. Hon Suleiman Babadoko , former kogi State house of assembly member is one such politician . Over the years, Babadoko, an enigmatic personality by all standards, has been tested and proven to be an unrelenting hard worker, who ran punishing schedules in order to meet the needs and aspirations of his people. Similarly, as a debonair and suave politician with an unparallel sense of professionalism, he has through burst of creativity and stupendous energy, carved a successful political niche for himself in the constituency.
A man’s greatness, it is often said, does not consist of what he has or the amount of wealth he has gathered for himself, but rather how much such a man has been able to use that which God has entrusted under his care to support and assist the less privileged and those who are not fortunate to be blessed like him. That Babadoko has used his previous privileged positions to meritoriously serve the cause of humanity is not in doubt and it speaks volumes about what he can further do if entrusted with more responsibility and that explains why the people of Lokoja | state Constituency are desperately clamouring for him to step forward and represent them in the state house of assembly come 2019.
The reason(s ) for this yearning for Hon Babadoko is not far-fetched : according to some stakeholders, they lamented that those that had hitherto represented the people of the constituency have failed to justify their mandates, especially with regards to meeting the needs and aspirations of the people of the constituency. And because Hon Babadoko has been tried and tested and has proven to be an embodiment of humility, selflessness and patriotism, he is now seen as the only one politician with the requisite pedigree who could go to the state assembly and faithfully represent them in terms of delivering democracy dividends to the constituency.
To those who have been following the trajectory of Babadoko’s exacting public life, he is one politician who treasures the noble principles or ethics of hard work as a complimentary factor to the supporting hands of his creator to attain lofty heights in life. On all counts, he is a silent achiever who does not deserve the services of sycophants or paid agents to herald his solid achievements in the public domain.
In a nation where people plot their ways into positions of leadership with the basest of desperation and using the most violent or diabolical means, it is to Babadoko’s eternal credit that he attained his through exemplary display of leadership qualities. Just by being at the right position at the opportune moments, Babadoko has come to approximate the fate and fortunes of the hoi polloi. And that explains why his supporters and even his critics in the constituency are craving for him to step forward to represent them in 2019.
This is quite understandable. In a situation where other constituencies in the state are working seriously at fever pitch level to send their first eleven to represent them at the assembly state complex, Lokoja | constituency cannot afford to delegate a second or third eleven. NEVER!!! Similarly, considering the yawning gap existing between the infrastructural facilities and the basic needs of the people, Lokoja constituency is in a hurry to catch up with its counterparts in other parts of the state constituency. And that is a legitimate and noble expectation from a people that have long been held captive by the forces of retrogression.
The icing on the cake of Babadoko’s political career was his appointment as the Secretary Kogi State Muslims pilgrims Board: His feats in politics started when he was elected as Ward Secretary of People’s Democratic Party,PDP ward D, was later elected as Member representing Lokoja | constituency in Kogi state House of Assembly 2011-15.
The former Chief whip, a political house hold name, conglomerate of Politics personified man,an expertise in public administrator,a grass root mobiliser and a barrier breaker and an excellent bridge builder.
As a matter of fact, the more 2019 inches closer, the more desperate the people of Lokoja | Constituency become in their quest to have Hon Babadoko contest the election into the state assembly to represent them.
His admirers are on the same page in their opinion of Babadoko, with majority of them insisting that few have been so steadfast in the pursuit of their common cause like him. Few have professed as much social commitment to the burning issues of Lokoja like Babadoko. He is one politician who combines intellectual prowess with organizational ability and political astuteness.
As he hearkens to the voices of his people by stepping forward to contest in 2019, Babadoko should be rest assured that his victory is as certain as the breaking of day after night.
– Abbas Yahaya
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