Kwara 2023 : Notes From My Bedroom-Lanre Oshoy

Let me start by congratulating Governor Abdulrasaq Abdulrahman (GAA) on his re-election  as Executive Governor of Kwara State may God Almighty Allah guide and protect you to deliver dividends of democracy to the entire Kwarans. 

Now to the business, fellow Kwarans, I’m aware many Kwarans still believe that politics can be taken as a full-time vocation with what played out just  a few days to  the  general election in Kwara state where some candidates sold out people’s trust and mandates, but, I’m of the view that  it shouldn’t be so, our state would be far better when leaders learn how to manage people and resources in their private capacity before getting into positions of authority.

The essence of my wasi (sermon) is that we shouldn’t expect much from those who gate-crashed into government.

I must say how worried I’m about our dear beloved Kwara State, yes I’m troubled because of how much we have turned kwara politics into a playgrounds of beasts just like  Nollywood movies where seriousness and patriotism are lacking. It is sad, very sad .

I must confess that whoever came up with the wise saying that Nigeria politics is dirty deserves an award for perspicacity. I followed up Kwara 2023 politics from beginning to the end and there’s  a need for me to share my view for the young generation to learn and not take those steps.

The reality of kwara politics put a lie to what they teach us in school, I remember my government teacher at Mount  Carmel college , Oloje , Ilorin, that’s not where I am going don’t let me deviate, and in all those seminars I attend both at FCT and other parts of the country and many books , Kwara politics doesn’t follow the rules of books, the theories or what the book maker says. Seriously, this thing we call democracy which Nigeria returned to in 1999  after  a mass protest and frustration from military rule isn’t exactly the same democracy they’ve in the  United kingdom or  the United States.

My only worry at this critical time and the question begging for answer from my lips now is that how can a son of nobody that  is full of ideas, knowledgeable, and crisis- management skills, character and integrity, vision and courage to make tough decision, effective communication skills, and above all ability to unify  Kwarans will be allowed to pilot the affairs of our state? After money bags have high-jacked the entire process by negotiating  people’s mandates for appointment and juicy contracts will Kwarans trust those politicians in 2027?  I am seriously sad and worried about the future of the state.

If this continues it may take us years to have a Kwara that works for all that’s my worry. What legacy do they want to bequeath to the younger generation?

Dissent and criticism are the hall marks of true freedom and the ability to tolerate such critique is the difference between celebrated statement and despised autocrats , dictator’s and tyrants. It  is only in Nigeria where incumbent will try all he could to buy-in opposition into his camp’s without knowing that criticism is a wakeup call to perform but, where is thy conscience?

Some of the moves of loyalists of government in power in recent times have been interpreted as a sign of panic and desperation, blocking and obstructing opposition on all fronts may actually make such candidates more popular and later try to have everyone’s into their camp’s

Finally, one good thing about democracy is activating office of citizens, up till now many Kwarans still don’t know how powerful the office is, civil society organization have to do more by letting  citizens know how powerful they are to strengthen our democracy.

Once again, I wish  the winner a fruitful tenure.

God bless Kwara state.

Comrade Lanrey Osho, a columnist and public policy Analyst , writes from Ilorin,  Kwara state