Not long ago I started to track and write about serious and consequential stories in Oyo state under Governor Seyi Makinde. When I started, I had one simple objective in mind: to place each story in the right context and perspective. But writing about politics and policies in a frighteningly hostile environment is risky. On one end, you help to keep those in power on their toes until they do the right thing, but on the other hand, you risk being bullied, beaten, and black-listed. Simply, it was a serious undertaking, one that has serious consequences.
But I make bold to say that for the past couple of months or so, the journey towards holding those in power to account has been worthwhile and I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to stir conversation around critical issues that affect us all – many thanks to my publisher, readers and critics. Quite thoughtfully, it is often said that for every political ‘messiah’ raised through people’s electoral generosity and magnanimity, a ‘checker’ of equal proportion is equally in the making. So, the question of whether a government would be criticized is a matter of when and not why. Even the most benevolent leaders have their critics not talk of dictators. And in democracy, the place of debate in the growth and development of democratic ideals is as important as the food we eat and the air we breathe.
Retrospectively, the first 18 months in office of Governor Makinde have been greatly described as essentially an incredibly smooth ride. Media coverage was predictable. People’s perception was positive. On the street, Makinde was the man. In the canteen, the catchphrase of the new dawn was palpable. The expectation was relatively high. The goodwill was crystal clear. But that’s not to say there were no pockets of criticism and charged conversations around the business of governance. In the meantime, it appeared that sustained criticism of the Makinde’s government was dead on arrival. Of course, that thinking too was dead on arrival. Interestingly, criticism alone without solid groundwork can never stop politicians from winning elections – it is only when criticism is turned into propaganda in addition to solid grassroots work that power can be snatched from those in charge. As a matter of fact, the more a government is criticized, the more sympathy or hatred it draws from the people. Whether you like it or not, criticism is an indispensable component of any meaningful work and any attempt at suppressing it will always meet the brick wall.
By 29th May 2023, Governor Seyi Makinde would be sworn in for the second term. As the second man to win re-election in the history of the state, the engineer-turned-politician stands spectacularly on the threshold of history. In addition to his role as the new vice chairman of, the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, governor Makinde’s newfound dalliance with the President-elect would also make him enormously powerful and widely influential. Unlike in his first term, governor Makinde will have a wide range of access not just to the President but to his brother’s colleagues on various multi-sectoral issues. Needless to say, the innocent-looking, introverted ideal governor would act more like a typical politician than he did his first time. Hopefully, he uses his power, influence, and authority in the service of the people of the state. And not in the service of the whims and caprices of selected groups of inner caucuses of the administration. Clearly, the criticism of the governor wasn’t because of envy or hatred. Immunity does not cover criticism. In areas of pension payment, workers’ welfare, and critical infrastructure, under Governor Makinde, the story has truly been different.
No government is completely good. And no administration is completely bad. Much of what we know about the system is relatively infinitesimal compared to what we don’t know. Inside-out, the business of governance is often messy. But outside in, we see easy choices and simple options. Far from it, the business of government is fraught with mistakes and missteps, perils and pitfalls, setbacks and drawbacks. But great leaders from time immemorial have always found balance in the burden of leading.
You may only need to meet pensioners to know how much the governor is admired. Additionally, you may only need to meet those in the state workforce to appreciate various efforts of the government intending to and caring for their welfare and well-being. Instead of making a great deal out of pension and prompt salary payment as was the case in Kwara state for instance, the administration of Governor Makinde took a more subtle, clever, and grounded route. People kept the score. And they gave it back when it was time.
I noted in last week’s column that many Nigerians still hold the firm belief that the second term ‘curse’ for politicians is real and kicking. That it is in the second term that people-centered government derails into the self-serving establishment. Instances abound across the country where people voted for politicians on account of their solid performance only to be disappointed upon re-election. The thing about that perspective is that it isn’t complete. Truly, absolute power corrupts absolutely. And because of that, there is always the propensity of those in power to misbehave when it appears they no longer need people to decide their fate. But I believe Governor Makinde will do better in the second term. He has promised to sustain the tempo in all spheres. And as usual, this column will keep him and his team on their respective team on tier toes.
More roads will be completed. Light up Oyo will be back. Hopefully, more jobs will be provided while the good people of Oyo enjoy the dividends of democracy better than before.
OYO101 is Muftau Gbadegesin’s opinion about Issues affecting Oyo state, published on Saturdays. He can be reached via @TheGMAKing on Twitter, muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com and 09065176850
