Aftermath the 2014 Governorship election in Ekiti State, a new political lexicon emerged – Stomach Infrastructure. Political analysts have argued back and forth on the merits and demerits of Stomach Infrastructure.
Good or bad, the much talked-about stomach infrastructure in Ekiti State is mild compared to the Kogi-version of Stomach Infrastructure that the incumbent Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State was confronted with when he assumed office in 2012.
Wada met a State where stomach infrastructure was not meant for the less privileged as is obtained in other states. While he poor, needy and less privileged were glaringly abandoned, able-bodied youths with violent tendencies and their patrons were the beneficiaries of the Kogi Stomach Infrastructure.
While stomach infrastructure in other states entails disbursement of essential commodities and a little cash, the scenario in Kogi State was a steady release of millions to patronise hooligans, touts, ‘comrades’ and their likes. Some believe that monies expended on this destructive economics was enough to construct one new road each in all the twenty-one local governments in Kogi State.
This practise demobilised Kogi youths mentally as many saw political hooliganism as short-cut to sudden wealth. The future of Kogi State was been destroyed gradually. A short review of activities of Kogi Youths on Social Media will attest to this. Not many contribute intelligently to issues and written English is disheartening.
Idris Wada came on board and made it clear from the onset that he will initiate a paradigm shift in governance. Three years on, the reign of political touts have been largely reduced. Youths are now faced with prevailing realities in the country and are now buckling up to be more creative and innovative like youths in other states of the country.
This huge but silent achievement did not come without a price. Beneficiaries of the old order will do everything within their means to pull him down. They can never see anything good in Wada. To them, Wada has committed a grievous sin that is unpardonable. How will they survive? How will they sustain the prodigal lifestyles they have been living?
Wada’s decision not to offer stomach infrastructure to touts, hooligans and their patrons is yet another Major Sin.
…to be continued.
– Abidemi Olalekan, Lokoja
