The campaign of change by the All Progressives Congress (APC) was very effective: the party cunningly convinced Kogites that change was in the air and that it was time to try a new party at the State level in order to halt the deteriorating situation all over the state.
Consequently, millions of Kogites who voted for the Audu-Faleke ticket found the change slogan attractive and persuasive. Yet, to make people accept the slogan of change is one thing, to translate it into concrete positive transformation of the living conditions of Kogites is a different thing altogether.
The pertinent question that rears up from the discussion above is – what has changed since Yahaya Bello assumed office? Obviously, the answer to that question will depend on how the phenomenon of change is interpreted and the context in which the notion is applied, because the appearance of change does not necessarily mean that real change has taken place.
Generally, the word “change” connotes “to alter or make different, to make to pass from one state or condition to another.” It follows that for genuine change to occur in a socio-political environment, certain fundamentals in the society must undergo transformation. Yet, it is another matter whether the change in question is positive or the very opposite.
In order to ascertain whether there has been any real change (or changes) since Bello became Governor , it is essential to consider a number of factors, particularly the situation of things before he assumed office and the situation of things right now, together with the direction his administration is moving the State .
– Alfa Tijani, a social critic, writes from Ajaka, Igalamela/Odolu LGA Of Kogi State.
