By Hamzat Olajide
Politics all over the world is a big news, big enough to drive and drag people’s perspectives along different fault lines. When you want to trigger people’s hidden emotions, try politics and see them unravel. In politics, pretending for long is impossible. One way or the other, the cat will be let out of the bag and everyone will see things with crystal clarity. As we have seen over time, decisions made through political choices do have consequences. The effects of those choices spare no one – rich or poor, young or old, male or female.
By the way, I have written about politics in this space before with emphasis on stepping up to the challenge of the day. In my previous treatise on politics for instance, I asserted that the idea that politics is dirty, deadly and dangerous has gained notorious traction beyond the shore of Africa and much of the global south. I added that for those who think politics is all shades of vilification and calumny, politics can only also serve as the avenue for common good — as we have seen in advanced democracy. As you are aware, the political system in our country today has without any equivocation failed to deliver. Consequently, it has failed, basically, in fixing our most pressing needs – there is still hunger on a massive scale as the poverty rate remains on the very high side.
For a fact, politics is what you do to get into power and elective offices. From the President to the Governor to legislatures across the three tiers of government, politics, and politicking are what you engage in to move from candidate to political office holder with symbol of authority . For too long, we hae handed over the political system to all manners of people: charlatans, rascals, miscreants, and unscrupulous elements who only think of themselves while damaging the country from all angles. As a monopolistic structure, we have waited endlessly for the system to auto-correct itself but to no avail. Efforts at ensuring the system delivered on its mandate have repeatedly proved mildly successful in some states of the federation – leaving others in the shambles of inept leadership.
Good governance, the hallmark of democracy, is elusive in many states. Fortunately, amid the plethora of reasons to be cynical and skeptical, the shining examples of Lagos, Oyo few other States continue to inspire hope, build confidence, and assure the people of a truly efficient system that serves the interest of all. In Oyo State, for instance, the government under Governor Seyi Makinde has delivered on many of his campaign promises. He has fixed more roads than any of his predecessors. He has achieved more in human capacity development than any of his predecessors. He has surpassed the record of his predecessors combined in critical areas of governance. He has done all of these without noise and fanfare. While other states were announcing the implementation of the new minimum wage, Governor Makinde took a step further by enhancing the state workforce through a transparent recruitment exercise that cuts across the ministries, departments, and agencies of the government.
Agencies of the government that last recruited more than 20 years ago were mandated to open job portals. The beneficiaries of a fair recruitment system will forever appreciate Makinde’s leadership style. In a country where average citizens believe they stand no chance at securing heavily politicized government jobs, Makinde’s government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to doing things the right way regardless of whose ox is gored. When we fix politics, that is, instead of running away because of the activities of some few misguided elements, we can always build a system and structure that deliver dividends of democracy to the people irrespective of who they are or where they live.
Amofin Beulah Adeoye is a system and structured leader. He has worked to help states in the country design sustainable models that gives power to the people. His creativity, artistry and expertise have been put to test in solving multifaceted challenges in and outside the country. Tested, and trusted, Amofin Beulah Adeoye brings to the table extensive work experience in critical sectors of the economy with the strong character and capacity to turn things around for the common good in all spheres.
Olajide Hamzat writes about the various prospect and potential of Oyo state while projecting Amofin Beulah Adeoye as a solution provider, problem solver and creative, adaptive and innovative leader and thinker with compassion and empathy.