By : Abdulrahman Abdulbasit
Politics according to thev advanced English dictionary is defined as crafty or cunning while governance is defined as accountability for consistent, cohesive policies, processes and right decisions. Politics are also the activities of people who are trying to obtain an advantage within a group or organization. Governance is commonly defined as the excercise of power or authority by political leaders for the well being of their country’s citizens or subjects.
Over a decade, Kwara has frequently witnessed active politics than governance where projects and citizens’ welfarism are laudable in print and electronic media than been applauded in physique. The camouflaged good governance of those years were attributed to the political appointments that contributed significantly to the fiasco of the administration in the past.
Like the sea tide, the Otogè revolution soon flood away the political dynasty in a political manner that is not well structured but believed to be targeted towards power change from the dynasty and good governance in a claim that the predecessor’s had not only failed the state but as well denied us our common wealth.
The emergence of the BOB lead APC administration and the party flag-bearer was faulted by many political gladiators within the party on claim that both individuals were foisted upon them at the national level, which had since created a rift within the party as many still grumble within the political system till date.
After the party had won the election, one would have believed that the governor would settle score with the political gladiators by awarding contracts, appointing them to public offices and support party politicians with state treasury to appease them on the scenario that lead to his emergence as the party flag-bearer. The governor’s action and policies are implicitly a repudiation of that era and a firm indication that he was not prepared to travel that political route which culminated the rift in the political party.
The governor’s ascension to power under the APC had no doubt proven to be citizen-oriented has governance were anchored on the principle of the rule of law. Virtually most of the decisions and projects embarked upon early in the life of the administration struck a chord with the public as there were more physical projects like: on-going road projects, rehabilitation of some schools and primary health care centres, Owo Isowo and Owo arugbo and many more that gave public plaudit even before been louded in the media.
However, smack of political vendetta within the party had been associated to non-consultation of the party elites and stakeholders in the state on issues related to governance despite their critical role in the election that lead to historic victory. This action had drawn significant flak, especially when the governor announced his first executive cabinet that had performed in their best capacities to serve the interest of the governor in delivering good governance to the citizen before they were dissolved which took effect from December 31, 2020.
The recent replacement of the state APC chairman had heated up the party politics which is a norm in the Nigerian polity. However, it should not be distractive to the governor on the course of administering good governance to the good people of kwara state.
Lastly, the governor should be willing to accommodate within the party, individuals who shared common views that are tailored toward adherence to rule of law and good governance to mitigate the long lasting crisis. Also, it is worthy to note that, society will flourish when it is governed according to the rule of law rather than by whims of office holders who value their personal interest and pockets against that of the citizens’ welfarism.
Abdulrahman Abdulbasit (Abdulbasitwrites✍)
Baxeet2@gmail.com
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