All Politics is Local, so is Ododo’s style of politics. I call it “Ododolocalitics.”
This is the kind of political engagement in which the locals or (put sucintly) the huge population of residents in rural communities are amplified in the political space.
P
ut in another way, it is making a son of nobody somebody without the influence of anybody.
This defines the modus operandi adopted by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, since inception.
This highly rewarding political strategy becomes pronounced in the state with the latest tranch of appointments of Ward Special Assistants across the wards in local government areas of the state.
Curious eyes that snanned the list attested to the fact that Governor Ododo meant business in terms of spreading his tentacles and the dividends of democracy all over the state.
For sure, the appointments were meant for those resident in their respective wards, to be the eyes and the ears of the Governor; and in return, they represent the localities before the Governor.
What a strategic political establishment. Those people are not who I call “part-time” or “political season” or “weekend” rural dwellers.
Some of them are farmers while others are business men and women at home. They are not Abuja based politicians. They are Kogi home based politicians. I send my hearty congratulations to all of them.
This set of appointments gives a sense of belonging to the ruralites. It makes them beat their chests to say we “are appointees of government and we will work to justify it.”
Truly, all politics is local. I specifically thank Governor Usman Ododo for this unique initiative. It goes a long way to prove how favourably disposed to people’s yearnings and aspirations His Excellency is.
While I praise the governor for this wonderful gesture, I also call on all the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them. To whom much is given, much is expected.
So, they should not hesitate in mobilizing support for government at the ward level. Whenever there is anything in form of palliatives, they should dutifully work with other relevant leaders to ensure equity in distribution.
Ultimately, in times of electioneering and elections, the Ward Special Assistants are foot soldiers for not only the Governor but also the party structure.
In the end, every eye would see that this Ododolocalitics is a super political design with a long lasting reward for the people and the government judging from the localisation of the appointees.
Dr Gabriel Ottah was the DG Protocol, Government House.