In this series, we lay bare how an ungrateful governor began schemes to permanently incapacitate his benefactor right from his first day in office.
Read and digest.
Politics of exclusion and disempowerment
It appears Governor Dapo Abiodun did not really appreciate the support of the OGD political family, which he got without any condition. His actions and inactions since assuming power indicate so.
When OGD declared for the APC, he did so with thousands of leaders and followers who looked up to him to be their torchbearer in their new political abode. These people had hopes and aspirations to participate in the APC government. But instead of warm assimilation, what has been witnessed is the gradual push away to the periphery of relevance.
Or how else does one explain that during the reconstitution of the state party structure, not once was the leader of the OGD group asked for input? The governor and his political henchmen unilaterally emplaced party operatives in all the 236 wards in the state, not to talk of local government or state executives! The OGD group took it in stride without complaints.
Again, in the fielding of candidates for the local government elections, not once was OGD group considered for election as the party’s candidate in any of the 20 local governments and 236 wards.
Similarly, in forming the state cabinet, not once was the leader of the OGD group consulted for advice or nomination.
In the last four years, the government has embarked on construction or maintenance projects in schools, health facilities and roads. Not once was the OGD group called upon to nominate supervisors for these projects to ensure maximum benefits for the people. Contracting has only revolved around a cabal in government, to the exclusion of the majority of party faithful who toil day and night to sustain the party.
Read Also: OGD’s long walk in APC: An eyewitness account
This is not to suggest that the OGD group is vexed with those that emerged as party executives or elected officials. But in politics, there is no bigger ‘red flag’ than a lack of consultation and inclusion in decision-making and dispensing political favours.
One would expect the governor’s vuvuzelas to hoist a few inconsequential appointments to argue the governor’s good faith towards the OGD group. But ask them: how were the few handpicked persons, who were put in not higher than errand positions, chosen? Was it not without the input of the political family and essentially to spite the leadership.
How do you choose to feed a man’s son without ascertaining the desirability of the meal with the parents?
Let it be known that OGD as a person can no longer be governor, neither is he seeking to compete for the control of the levers of power with the governor. But as a leader, he has a responsibility to ensure the proper welfare of the many he led into the APC. In any case, the OGD that we know is an excellent head hunter will never say ‘no’ to the nomination or recommendation of his people to service.
OGD Youth Wing
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
