YEARS ago during a torrid pre-election campaign, a state governor in Nigeria was torn between the counsel of his team of strategists, publicists and kitchen cabinet. A group said the chief executive who was seeking an encore had put in so much achievement in his first term that he might not need to address the people for their votes again. His work - bridges, roads, schools, health facilities, empowerment of the citizens, notably in the rural regions etc.—were a loud testament to the deeds of one who would easily be permitted a fresh tenure without much ado. It was a view supported even by a great number of the people, given incontrovertible evidence visible to all, including the opposition.
But another group of loyalists warned that the people of the state were as fickle as the weather. If they hailed their governor today, they might nail him next week if he failed to show up when they would want to see him, the palpability of feats notwithstanding. They quoted the famous quip of one-time British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson: ‘’A week is a long time in politics.’’
It was another way of saying a politician must not stay forever in the successes of yesterday. He must lubricate that past for a smooth sail into today for final transition into tomorrow and beyond.
These were the fundamental points that the way of most analysts when members of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RAMFAC, came to State of Osun on 2-day sensitization tour. It was part of their 30-state data-gathering exercise to enable a review of the allocation formulae to align with the variables of changing economic realities.
RAMFAC submitted its findings through its commissioner, Abdulahi Yaman. He said the strides he and his team saw confirmed that the State of Osun ‘’is better placed for great things (than most others) because the…governor is doing well in…fiscal transparency and accountability which he said is the reason for excellent performances of the governor.’’ Yaman added: ‘’As we were entering the state, we could see that the Governor here is doing really well. Apart from roads that are being constructed, we saw good-looking hospitals and schools which are critical areas any responsible government must not take for granted.’’ He commended Oyetola’s judicious use of the resources in his charge because the country doesn’t ‘’have any money to throw about’’.
On the strength of these proven achievements, RAMFAC promised: ‘’We will ensure that what is due to Osun comes to you (Osun); the governor has earned it through his sterling performances.’’
Thus, ahead of the gubernatorial poll in Osun in 2022, a verdict appears to have been turned from an impartial arbiter. The sensitive parameters that the electorate have always wielded have been deployed, namely, accountability, transparency and utilitarian fund management skills. The gladiator who has these weapons in his armory, and has effectively brandished them to uplift his work for all the world to behold, is only waiting for coronation day.
OYATOMI, a Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Corporate Administrators, speaks for APC in the state of Osun