Somebody asked me few questions. He saw me with a candidate I did PR for and I gladly answered him. So, I thought to share here too.
Question: What does politics entail?
Me: To me, Politics is about... Information.
Recognition.
Money.
Promises.
Knowing people (right and wrong Ones).
Strategies.
Tactics.
Gymics.
Trust GOD, juju or go home.
Feedbacks.
And more... I broke them down for my friend, and he was happy.
Rauphobia, Raufmania And Raufnomics
(For Rauf Aregbesola At 61)
He has never achieved anything without struggle. As commissioner for works, I didn’t know more of him until he declared his intention to run for the governorship position of Osun. Not many, including this writer, believed he was going to make it. Many people willingly joined the struggle. Anyday, anytime, Aregbesola is a crowd-puller. Only few people can match his streetness.
On many occasions, he cheated death. It was a tortuous journey. From the pre-election till when his mandate was restored, it was one day, one trouble. He won the election but the incumbent was declared. And the legal tussle began. The first tribunal was comprommised. Many people laid their lives unnecessarily. Why? They were tired of the locusts who had almost sucked the state’s treasury dry.
And finally, on November 26th, 2010, the Appeal Court, sitting in Ibadan, affirmed the judgement of the reconstituted tribunal, by declaring Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the duly elected governor. That day, the jubilation was indescribable. Many major towns were thrown into ectastic celebration. He couldn’t be sworn in that day. Before the second day, it was evident that the will of the majority eventually prevailed.
From the beginning, it was evident that he was prepared for governance. Within a twinkle of an eye, he left no one in doubt as to his capacity to effect changes in the shortest time. His many O-projects many of which have become models for many states have earned him recognition and awards locally and internationally.
His many projects were unusual. The few condemn him while the majority commend him. And that is why he is always happy to associate with the common man on the street. He is not known for flamboyant lifestyle. It didn’t take many residents of the once-upon-a-time state of the living spring to know that their prayers have been answered. The more than 7 years before Oranmiyan came on board was akin to the years of the men in khaki.
Like his first election and the legal tussles that followed, the re-election bid was also fought with everything. He contested against the candidate of a party that was bent on entrenching its hold, no matter what it would have cost. The people were determined like the first term. They believed that the O-General needed another term to solidify his achievements. At last, despite threat from far and near, he was announced as the winner.
Though an engineer by training, the way he has handled the economy of the state calls for applause. Many of us are even baffled how he has been able to achieve what other states, especially the financially-buoyant ones have been unable to do. His would be successor is lucky. All what he or she needs is to device means of sustenance through prudent management of resources and fund generation internally.
Despite all his good intentions, there are still opposition in the state. A compromised section of the media has made itself available, as a tool in the hands of the never-see-well. There was nothing they didn’t insinuate about the Ilesa-born former Lagos commissioner. He was alleged of attempting to islamise Osun. He was criticised for merging schools. Every good thing he does is not good in the hands of some minority few. It is not that the opposition don’t see that all his projects are unusual, they are angry because he has spoilt business for them. You don’t expect a baby to be beaten and not cry. Everytime, he triumphs. It seems he has the magic wand to transform misfortune to fortune.
The worst of it all. Those who had undeservingly benefited immensely from his generosity are part of the enemies within. They are terrible students of history. They have forgotten that everything about the husband of Sherifat is tied to struggle. There is nothing they have not said about him. Some even said he is an Ajele (District Officer) after over 10 years in the politics of Osun. That is incredible.
But why has he always triumphed against his adversaries? For an upcoming politician, Aregbesola is an example of who to follow. Just like he is loyal to his mentor and pathfinder -Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, he rewards loyalty. Those who are closer to him say that he is restless; that he likes working in the dead of the night, when his colleagues are snoring. He has demystified governance by always covering many kilometers with his people. He once said that he doesn’t look like a governor because he is ‘haggard’.
However, all these achievements can be rubbished in a matter of weeks if he is unable to present a successor. As the first governor of the state to use two-term and with a lot of credit to him, he needs a man who can think like him; who can continue from where he would stop. That is my fear. And it is not even a fear. I cannot only but pray God to assist, guide and guard him to choosing the best man for the job. Whether you like it or not, no governor or politician wouldn’t be concerned about who succeeds him.
Recently, an attempt to blackmail him ahead the 2018 governorship election hit the rock and Ogbeni appeared stronger. it was a blessing in disguise and those who planned the inhuman plot are regretting it.
Just like Oranmiyan, he is an intrepid politician. He is a veteran of many successful battles and wars. Some have even referred to him as the heir apparent to the throne of Bourdillon. This, he has displayed through his rare support for any cause he believes. Some even said he has one of the few persons who have the ears of the “Lion of Bourdillon’.
As people besiege Osogbo, the State of Osun capital. To celebrate the diamond anniversary of Ogbeni on earth, I wish my mentor many more glorious years on earth.
Wa inna jundana laomul’ galibun.
Written by: Akinola Debo Oranmiyan II.
Having convinced you that you can actually be actively involved in politics without contesting elections, let's consider the steps you need to take to get started.
*1. Identify your Ward:* The ward is the smallest unit of Government in Politics. The Political Head of a Ward is called Councilor. Every politician must compulsorily be a card-carrying member of a political party at the ward level. This however is with the exception of those who choose to contest election as or support independent candidates. Your ward is not necessarily your home town but the locality where you will most conveniently carry out your political activities. It is also advisable that you also register with INEC as a voter in this ward.
*2. Make the Choice of Political Party:*
Consider the available political parties in your area and make a choice. I advise you study the manifesto and constitution of the party you want to join and agree that you align with her. Unfortunately, in Nigeria's nascent democracy, ideology is not well defined in the existing political parties, therefore, they almost share basic ideologies.
*3. Get involved in Ward activities:*
The least you can do as a politician is to attend your ward meetings. Get deeply involved at this stage. Contribute at meetings and assist once in a while in footing party bills either in kind or cash. This not easy and takes time and plenty of efforts. Once in a while, sponsor refreshments at meetings or volunteer to transport some members to meetings or other activities.
*4. Identify like-minded believers in the party to relate with:*
This is very important as decision are taken in politics based on majority of opinions. It is important that you align with your own class of people to ensure that decisions taken are not to the disadvantage of your interest.
*5. Relate Well With The leaders:*
That you want to make changes in the politics of your environment does not mean castigating existing leaders. Celebrate them for the good they have done and be silent on their evils, at least for a start. Success in politics is about who you know and not necessarily what you know.
*6. Volunteer to be part of Campaigns/Party Activities:*
Every political campaign and political activity needs hard workers. If you want to get an idea of how politics really work, walk into any campaign office of a candidate and offer to help out. You'll likely be asked to do what appears to be menial work at first, things like helping to register new voters or making phone calls and/or test messages on behalf of a candidate. But if you do the job well, you'll be given more responsibilities and more visible roles in the campaign.
*7. Pay attention to Political Information:* Unfortunately many are political illiterates. Before you get into politics, you ought to know what you're talking about and be able to hold an intelligent and thoughtful conversations about the issues. Local politicians and indeed the community respect you when you have better information at hand. That alone makes you a point of reference in your locality. Therefore, read your local newspaper(s), statewide newspapers and national newspapers. Be alive on the social media for information.
*8. Get involved in your Community:*
Attend Landlords/Residents meetings. Network with and be in good terms with local groups e.g The Vigilante, etc. Build coalitions dedicated to changing and improving your town such as the CDA or Tribal Unions. PTA meetings and Cooperative Societies are equally good places to be for upcoming politicians.
*9. Build character and good name:*
A good name is better than silver and gold. As corrupt as our society is, a good name still speaks volume. Strive to build for yourself and generations after you a good name. In whatever capacity you are entrusted with responsibility, make a good opportunity to leave a lasting impression in the hearts of the people.
*10. If you must contest, start small:*
There is no spirituality in insisting that certain offices are too small for you. Start from the grassroots and gradually work your way to the top. "All politics is local."
By Comrade Oloruntobi Dayo Emmanuel
Not too young to run.
Ready to work and deliver.
A man of great capacity for the development of Afijio.
Diekola Oladipupo OWONIKOKO.
...Itesiwaju Afijio.
