Prior to his nomination by late Prince Abubakar Audu, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke due to his unassuming disposition was less visible in the politics of Okunland and by extension Kogi state but when he came; the political landscape was revived and energized. He brought candor and commitment to electioneering campaign that is a clear departure from the drab and uninspiring nature of similar events we are used to in Kogi state. It was so captivating that I witnessed a campaign that commenced at about 8.30pm and the venue was still brimming with people. I was opportune to peruse an articulated program before the elections that guaranteed a secured and prosperous Kogi state. Then the unfathomable happened and the Prince of Niger passed on when electoral victory was in sight; the contrived confusion wrought on the state will be a theme for discourse for a long time to come.
Irrespective of insinuation and proclamations, the Faleke Factor will be a major determinant of the direction of the political train in Okunland and this can be taken to the bank. For Okuns, it has been a blessing because we now have a rallying point in a son who has exhibited uncommon integrity, commitment and tenacity in ideals and principles.
Within a short time, this enigma united the various political groups in Okunland with known history of acrimony and deep-seated animosity. For the first time since 1999, PDP lost in areas that were its stronghold because a son showed the way in the strength in unity. Never in the history of Okunland has any politician made the kind of positive impact of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke within such a short stint of active and direct participation in Okun politics.
With Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, we are made to see that leaders are known not by mere rhetorics and self-anointment but by their character and selflessness in relating with the people. Okunland has discovered a son who can be trusted with their political fortunes; a general that can be followed to war with confidence he will never abandon his troops. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has exhibited leadership that places the good of the people above personal interest and ambition. The various projects he has successfully executed sometimes in conjunction with others to meet the people’s needs and alleviate their sufferings is a breath of fresh air from the pugnaciousness of the past.
In all of this, the joy is that the Okun person can hold his/her head high in the knowledge he/she is spared the wile and antic of selfish and rapacious leaders. Okun sons and daughters should make maximal use of the opportunities the bond the Faleke factor avails to reposition and forge ahead in the quest to take our rightful place in Kogi state.
– Aiyenigba Olalekan
