Fellow Kwarans, there is need for us to look beyond politics for our state’s progress. It saddens me to see politics dominate every discussion. We must prioritize state development over myopic views.As I share my thoughts, I know many will resonate with me. It’s crucial for our people to understand the roles of civil society organizations, public policy analysts, columnist comradeship and activists. These titles shouldn’t evoke negative connotations.
A human rights activist, columnist, or public policy analyst aims to guide the government, Activism is about challenging those in power to bring about change, benefiting society and promoting the greater good . It’s not about antagonizing the government but rather working towards a better future. Activists come in many forms, from protesters, petition anti-curruption agencies, challenges injustice in court of law’s and strikers to boycotters and online campaigners. However, many believe activists should only criticize and confront government.thus,being labeled as compromised when acknowledging government’s good deeds or policies hurts deeply. It’s disheartening to face criticism for recognizing positive change, especially when your intention is to promote constructive dialogue and progress.
As I reflect on my 14 years as a columnist and nine years as a human rights activist, I’m reminded of the constant struggle to navigate public perception. It pains me to see how some people view activists as enemies when we praise the government’s good gestures or policies. This narrow mindset assumes that activists are only relevant when criticizing the government, not when acknowledging progress.
The reality is that activists take risks to ensure fellow citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy, fighting against injustice and advocating for human rights. However, instead of support, we often face unreasonable criticism on social media, radio station,or page of newspapers from the very people we’re fighting for. It’s crucial to recognize that activism extends far beyond social media, radio station or page of newspapers arguments.
It’s time to move beyond politics and understand the true value of activism. Activism is about driving positive change, not blindly opposing those in power. It’s essential to recognize that activism encompasses various forms, not all activists can be bought or silenced. We value our integrity and commitment to justice. Let’s work together to create a more informed and supportive community for activists.
People expect that once you’re an activist, you’re automatically enemies with those in government, which is utterly wrong. Should one really throw away their good relationships with individuals just because they joined the government? I have maintained close relationships with five people holding key positions in Mallam Abdulrasaq Abdulrahamon’s government, and I won’t discard those connections simply due to their new roles.
Recently, I paid a courtesy visit to the Ifelodun chairman, Hon Femi Yusuf . someone who attended my first book launch in 2021, long before he became chairman. We’ve discussed various topics beyond politics, and I offered my condolences for the passing of Jagun and advice on navigating challenges in his office. Shockingly, someone commented that I had been “bought” just like that? easily.
It’s frustrating when people assume that associating with government officials means you’ve compromised your values. Activism is about promoting positive change, not blindly opposing those in power.As someone who has invested time and effort into building meaningful relationships, I believe it’s essential to maintain those connections, even if individuals join the government. These relationships can facilitate easier investigations and collaborations that drive progress.
In fact, having close relationships with government officials can provide valuable opportunities for constructive dialogue and advocacy. By engaging with those in power, activists can work towards creating lasting change and holding leaders accountable.Rather than viewing activists as enemies, we should recognize the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding in driving societal progress.
I’ve come to realize that many people are only looking out for their own interests and are willing to betray others to gain favor with the government. Recently, someone falsely accused me of being an enemy of the government, claiming I constantly criticize the governor on radio and in articles. This person sent these baseless allegations to one of the governor’s aides, whom I have a good relationship with.
Fortunately, the aide trusted me enough to share the information and verify its accuracy. If not for our robust relationship, I could have been arrested and framed. It’s shocking that this person, whom I had offered to help with a workplace issue, would stoop so low to gain government sympathy.
They assumed I had no connections within the government, but that’s far from the truth. A similar incident occurred with a former House of Representatives member who was misled into thinking I would use my position with ENetSuD to sabotage their projects due to a personal vendetta. However, the honorable member contacted me directly, and we clarified the misunderstandi
These experiences underscore the importance of nurturing genuine relationships built on trust and open communication. As Psychology Today emphasizes, strong relationships require attention, honesty, openness, vulnerability, and gratitude . By investing in these relationships, we can overcome challenges and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Since 2020, I’ve realized that those who constantly brag on social media are all talk and no action. They criticize us, but when I invited one of them to join our activities, he was nowhere to be found. Interestingly, just a few days later, the EFCC stepped in and took four procurement officers from the same ministry into custody for poorly executed projects and diverting public funds base on our petition.I invited the critic to join me at the EFCC, where we met with the detained procurement officers.
One of the officers, an Igbira man, threatened me in his native language, saying I’d die once they were released. He claimed he’d use voodoo(Ogun) to kill me. Luckily, my companion understood the language and was shaken by the threat. On our way home, he revealed that his mother was Igbira and warned me of impending danger. I simply laughed it off, telling him I’ve faced similar threats many times that nothing would happen.
That encounter seemed to silence my critic, and he’s since stopped abusing us on social media. If I were to share all i’ve been through, people would understand that my goal is to ensure Kwarans enjoy the dividends of democracy. Many appreciate our efforts, and that’s what truly matters.
Being an activist has deprived me of many opportunities because I know people in government, but I can’t lobby for myself or my loved ones. A typical example is my wife, she’s a BSC holder in chemistry from the University of Ilorin. During the Governor Abdulfati Ahmed Government, I knew a personal assistant to former SUBEB Chairman Lambe, but he couldn’t help me to get her employment during the sunset teacher’s recruitment exercise eventually they were disengaged and according to him he said I always opposed their government though, I didn’t make any requests from him but he told a friend and bragged about it.
When the present government conducted its last recruitment, Professor Adaramaja, a friend of mine, was also one of his personal assistant , but I couldn’t lobby him. My wife didn’t get employed, and people assume I have connections with government officials. However, my role as an activist prevents me from lobbying, especially when due process is followed.
I keep telling my wife that she should forget about the state job that when she gets employed, it will be a federal job, not a state one and Inshallah so shall it be.It’s true some people have turned activism into a money-making venture, but I assure you, I’m not one of them. When I planned to organize protests last month, I could have made millions of Naira from it. Loyalists of the current government and opposition parties were willing to support it financially and with resources.
But my goal wasn’t financial gain; it was to catch the governor’s attention and highlight the hardships Kwarans face. I have no ulterior motives. After realizing the protests could spark unrest, I called it off.Some supporters were unhappy, but I won’t be used to settle political scores. I can’t be bought. If you have issues with someone, resolve them directly; don’t involve me. It’s astonishing how narrow-minded some people are, accusing me of being bought, just like that.
Did Governor Abdulrahamon Abdulrasaq offend me? No! And why should I harbor fright or hatred against his government? No reason at all! I’ve investigated billion-Naira projects and ensured corrupt federal MDAs officials faced justice at ICPC and EFCC for diverting public funds. I had the opportunity to make money from it, but I chose not to.
I’ve been tested time and time again, and my response remains the same: my name is my most valuable asset, and I won’t compromise it. God has blessed me abundantly, and I’m content with what I have. I’m surrounded by wealthy friends in Nigeria and abroad, so I lack nothing.My philosophy is simple. when you have a good name, everything else falls into place. That’s why I urge our people to look beyond politics and prioritize the greater good of Kwara. Let’s focus on progress, not petty squabbles.
Even when my younger brother was diagnosed with a kidney transplant and we desperately needed financial assistance, the government failed to help, and those self-proclaimed philanthropists in the state were nowhere to be found. Sadly, my brother passed away, which I’ve come to accept as fate. Interestingly, even if we eventually secured the funds for the transplant.what about destiny? It would definitely prevail.
My experience has taught me that many of those who claim to be philanthropists are actually politicians seeking personal gain or businessmen exploiting charitable causes for political leverage. Despite this, I take comfort in knowing that we’ll all leave this world one day, but the good deeds we do will be remembered forever.
Let’s move beyond labels and misconceptions. Activism is about constructive engagement, ensuring accountability, and promoting progress.i know am not alone in this feeling. Many activists face similar challenges, where their credibility is questioned simply because they choose to acknowledge and appreciate government’s efforts to do good.
End.
