“In politics, nothing happens by accident, if it happens, you can bet , it is planned that way “. Franklin Roosevelt.
As that American technology genius Henry Ford, aptly says ” you don’t build reputation on what you’re going to do “.
Undeniably, GSM as Governor Seyi Makinde is fondly called, is not basking on the euphoria of what he has in stock for the populace, rather speaking loudly with , litanies of verifiable projects that adorn the State like daisies in the spring and are still on going.
Even if you go out there to dissuade people to stop fawning over the Governor, chances are high that you will come back with a fracture.
This is certain as professor Olusegun Oladiipo formerly of University of Ibadan,philosophy department, says ” its easy to teach anybody a new historical fact about Richelieu, but it needs lights from heaven to enable a teacher to break the old framework in the student who has been accustomed to seeing his Richelieu ” success really ,is about what we have produced not what we have planned to achieve or are craving.
Also, it’s has become an open secret that GSM is largely riding the wave of public support because of his actions which they could see or feel. Here, both optics and sense of touching blend visible and easily felt are all round-sectorial advancement e.g Workers Salaries are not delayed, promotions are steady and the pensioners are all heaving a sigh of relief, training in Agriculture, Culture face-lift, Schools support Healthcare, Road construction/upgrading etc.
One other area I find fascinating is the Governor’s graveyard silence amidst provocation. He focuses directly on silent voters and not the aggrieved politicians who to borrow the words of Sam Omatseye, “dumped the party before it dumps them”. Silence, I now realise can be a winning strategy.
Whereas, as other political parties are busy studying theories to win elections, a book by Kenneth Drum an American author, they are merely reading insights into the process of winning, GSM has already reached a stage of implementation. This is where as Americans will say, is “the point where rubber meets the road”.
Am really marvelled and still continuing to be on how the Governor has put up his media team right from the efficient information commissioner, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, the peace loving CPS , the all- weather party PRO, who pays no attention to unworthy criticisms and a host of voluntary -social media “tacklers”, they dwell only on issues and keep mute when there is no need for uproar. This proper media coordination is what other parties are still panting to meet, let me add here without sounding immodest, that I was recently approached that my name had been forwarded to lead a particular opposition party ‘s Social media war against PDP, I didn’t even give it a raincheck, I replied immediately” How could one demolish the house he co-built, stow the idea, I can’t.”?
Whereas, other parties are striving to create campaign plans, GSM own touchstones are already embedded in his swearing- day speech which he follows painstakingly without digression, wherever, he makes a novel move, yours truly, will just revert to his acceptance speech on his day he was sworn in.
Moreover, I am opportune to be receiving regular mails on Government activities and future plans and I find it intriguing that despite his cramful schedule, the Governor still find time to read the nitty-gritty of governance and diverse topics and quote sources to boot.
Secret consultation yielding positive results is another vital area that people don’t take note. This is concealing ones intention and catching people spellbound and enlarging y the frontier as it is stated in The 3rd and 8th law of Roberts Green popular book ” 48 laws of power.” For instance if someone has foretold Ademola Ojo the Ijaya himself becoming a DCOS to the present government, I would have asked the person to re- consult, yet, it happens as the opposition are smarting from the ” Tegbelistic” daze..
Honestly, GSM is a metonym for performance, care Ethics and a good strategist as people far and near are whirling around,even outside the State.This is an asset money can’t buy!
All told, the, Governor just needs to stay focused, with his already working strategies , win more people to his side , seek other party leaders opinions and more importantly, continue to put his trust on the supreme God. On our path ,we can support the moving train with issue based campaigns and getting fully armed with the only weapon to fight the battle, our PVC. We have to diligently mount a door – door campaigns for the apolitical, who are our next-door neighbours. Time to consolidate on our gains is NOW . Insha Allah, the 2023 elections will surely be a walkover.
Good luck to the people ‘s Governor.
Isiaka Kehinde writes from Ibadan.