Fellow Kwarans, the response to my article last week, where I made predictions about the local government election, sparked heated discussions. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s supporters, whom I grouped into two categories – GAARIT and GAARIDEENS – reacted strongly, expressing their displeasure over my forecast that opposition parties would win in Offa and Ilorin West. I hadn’t realized that by making this prediction, I would stir up a hornet’s nest, and the backlash would be so intense.
What is my offense in predicting an election? However, before I go further, let me first clarify the distinction between GAARIT and GAARIDEENS, the supporters of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for better understanding.
I have friends and childhood acquaintances in both groups within the government, so we know each other well. Now, let me explain the two groups:
GAARIT supporters stand behind the governor but believe in holding leaders accountable by speaking truth to power. When they disagree with a decision or policy, they engage in critical analysis, highlighting issues and offering suggestions for improvement. They prioritize constructive dialogue, understanding that even well-meaning leaders can benefit from guidance.
On the other hand, GAARIDEENS supporters are unwavering in their loyalty, defending the governor’s every move, regardless of merit. They often descend on critics like a swarm of bees just like they did to me, dismissing dissenting voices without engaging with the substance of their arguments. This group’s dogmatic approach can be detrimental to progress.
These GAARIDEENS are the ones who always mislead people in power. They continue telling their boss that the country and state are happy and feeling his impact, even when people are uncomfortable with the policies introduced and how he governs. They are sycophants with no tangible jobs, yet they claim politics as their occupation.
Is politics a career? Should it be? Politics should be a calling, not a lifelong profession. Yet, we often see individuals on social media, radio, and television defending government actions, whether right or wrong, even at the cost of their reputation. What we do today will be remembered in the future, so it’s essential to be honest with ourselves.
Leaders don’t consult them for advice when they need guidance because they know GAARIDEENS won’t tell them the truth. Instead, they say something that will sweet-talk their leaders, and that’s how they mislead those in government.
My recent article predicted that the ruling party, APC, would win in fourteen LGAs by a landslide, while the opposition would likely secure some councilorship seats. However, I noted that Offa and Ilorin West would be challenging for the ruling party to win, citing internal party crises and hardship faced by the people of Ilorin West LGA as influencing factors.
Some have questioned my prediction, suggesting that I must have been paid to make such statements. But as an anti-corruption crusader who has fought corruption in Kwara State for nine years, my predictions are based on reality, not settlement. My analysis is grounded in facts, not personal interests.
Interestingly, the candidate of the opposition party in Ilorin West is from the same Ward as the governor and was once a Special Assistant to the governor and a member of the ruling party. This fact adds complexity to the situation.
I was taken aback when Unique, the Executive Director of Kwara Express, messaged me last week, mentioning that some people believed Kwara Express was owned by ENetSuD due to my active involvement with the organization and my prediction regarding today’s local government election. However, I have consistently explained that my writings are independent of ENetSuD.
I am well aware that building a double brand’s is an arduous task. In double branding, the originators and initiators are inextricably linked, much like Siamese twins, making separation challenging. As a key figure in ENetSuD and a weekly columnist for Kwara Express Online, I face the daunting task of balancing these roles.
Through my weekly column, Pentalk, I aim to hold the government accountable, expose corruption, and sensitize citizens on increasing participation. However, I recognize the need to manage both roles without bias. My writings are independent of ENetSuD and reflect my individual perspectives.
Writing is an integral part of me, it’s in my blood. I’m always with my phone, writing or reading. This passion earned me the nickname ‘Pentalk’ during my undergraduate days at Federal Polytechnic, Offa. Most of my friends know writing is my habit.
Actually, the APC’s Ilorin West Chairman, the ruling party’s candidate, is someone I hold in high esteem, much like a brother. We share the same ward, Ubandawaki Ward, and have previously discussed issues affecting our community and Kwara State. One such occasion was during the last Ramadan, where we were both invited as distinguished guests to the primary school in Okebo for the cash support and food palliative initiative for widows and the less privileged by Ubandawaki Youth Development Association president Mallam Muritala Alowonle in Ubandawaki. Despite our connections, I didn’t hesitate to provide an honest assessment in my article. Instead of reacting impulsively on social media, I urge my readers and supporters of the current government to thoughtfully consider my predictions.
I expect the ruling party to critically examine my predictions rather than dismissing them or sending errand boys to attack me on social media.I can confidently assert that the opposition carefully analyzed my predictions, identifying areas of potential vulnerability and taking proactive steps to address them. That’s precisely the strategic response I expect from the ruling party – constructive engagement, not vitriolic attacks. Instead of unleashing verbal assaults, I urge them to focus on critically examining my insights and leveraging them to strengthen their positions.
I’d like to clarify my relationship with Comrade Musbaudeen Esinrogunjo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate. We’ve only met twice, and I’m sure he’ll attest to this. Our first meeting was when he served as Special Assistant to the Governor, and I visited his office at Geri-Alimi, along Odota, to invite him to my book launch in 2021. Unfortunately, he didn’t attend, but notable figures like Barr. Muritala Sambo, Femi Yusuf, and Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe both are loyalists of the government in power graced the occasion.
Our second meeting was recent, at an event on Taiwo Road in Ilorin. That’s the extent of our interactions. Notably, I don’t have a close relationship with him. In fact, I can easily reach out to the APC candidate, as we hail from the same ward. As a weekly columnist committed to fact-based writing, I assure you that my words are backed by evidence, not lies or biases.
Considering the factual and constructive points in my article, particularly where I highlighted Baba-Okanla’s integrity and his collaboration with the esteemed late Justice Muhammad Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi, SAN, I expected praise and engagement from readers. Instead, I was surprised to find that only Ilorin West and Offa LGAs were uncomfortable with the facts presented, which seems like a double standard.
Specifically, I noted Baba-Okanla’s admirable practice of seeking guidance from Justice Akanbi, even taking him along to various destinations, demonstrating a commitment to fairness and transparency . Given the credibility of Justice Akanbi, who served as President of the Nigerian Court of Appeal and inaugural head of Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices Commission , Baba-Okanla’s association with him speaks volumes about his character.
I anticipated that readers would appreciate my thorough research and willingness to uncover these facts, rather than dismissing them. The discomfort expressed by Ilorin West and Offa LGAs raises questions about their expectations and values.
I’m excited to embark on this journey as a weekly columnist with Kwara Express Online and a key figure in ENetSuD. To my readers, especially supporters of the government, I assure you that my weekly column, Pentalk, will maintain a neutral stance, focusing on balanced and enlightening write-ups. You won’t find politics, religion, or ethnicity dominating my narratives.
My goal is to promote constructive dialogue, encourage citizen engagement, and foster a sense of community. I believe that by sharing diverse perspectives and experiences, we can work together towards a better future.
I invite you to join me on this journey, where we’ll explore ways to strengthen our community and promote positive change. Your support means everything, and I’m committed to delivering content that informs, educates, and inspires.
Let’s engage in respectful discussions, listen to each other’s views, and grow together. I’m eager to hear your thoughts and ideas, and I look forward to sharing mine with you.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, let’s create a platform for constructive exchange and collective growth.
Fellow Kwarans, let’s reflect on our state’s progress and the role we play in shaping its future.
God bless Kwara State.
