It is generally believed that politics is a dirty game. But methinks it is for those who are naturally dirty. In this generation, there are politicians who are now playing politics of sense and dignity. The understanding of the so-called ‘dirty game’ became glaring to me earlier this week during the grand finale of the Federal constituency campaign, which held at the ancient Mapo Hall, in Ibadan.
Some party chieftains, who decided to play the dirty politics, which some people will call ‘roforofo politics’, engaged in the game of ‘show of power’. They conspired against a good man; a man of the people; a man who has changed the face of politics in his constituency. I am talking about the real man who is the member of House of Representatives representing the Ibadan North East/South East Federal constituency, Rep. Abass Adigun, popularly known as Agboworin. He is the man who also chairs the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs.
Now, let me come back to the real issue. Before now, there have been issues of dirty politics, or better put – politics of enmity in the Ibadan South East/North East Federal Constituency, which has lingered for years. And it is not really surprising that the same act played out on the campaign ground. The players or those speaheading the ‘dirty politics’ made it obvious. Those who witnessed the event saw there was obvious hullabaloo and confusion, which emanated from the podium as a result of the actions of some dirty political players.
What really transpired?
As the campaign was going on, Rep. Agboworin entered into the premises of the Mapo Hall amidst loud ovation from party members, supporters and ‘hailers’, who accompanied him to exchange pleasantries one after the other with all party leaders who were already seated on the high table. It is a normal practice everywhere.
But surprisingly, when he got to the front of a supposed leader in the party, bending to greet him, He was shunned. A party leader, who is supposed to be a unifier; a party leader who is supposed to be preaching unity, peace and harmony in the party, looked at the other side because of the hatred he has for Agboworin. Remember the Yoruba saying that says: “agba kii wa l’ójà ki orí omo tuntun wó.” But that was not the case during the campaign. Instead, this elder was at the campaign ground to deliberately cause chaos and pandemonium. Going forward, a respectful Agboworin moved on to the next person to do the needful.
Shockingly, he greeted another perceived ‘beefer’, but was also shunned while trying to shake him at the event. What an unfortunate situation? One would wonder how an ordinary man at the local government level could be so bold enough to disrespect a federal Rep Member in such a disgusting manner. In Yorubaland, we cherish respect but some people lack it, no doubt. Agboworin was seen display total respect at the event but it was unfortunate that the respect he displayed was not reciprocated.
Agboworin, who was not bothered by the disgusting display of these two personalities, ignored and majestically walked away to locate the seat reserved for him but he could not see anyone. It was not quickly known to Agboworin that there were grand plans perfected by some conspirators to not only humiliate but also disgrace him openly at the campaign ground. But you know what? God is not a Man that would be with you and leave you in a time of battle. No. God really stood with Agboworin on this very day. Like the Muslims would say: all the glory returned to Almighty Allah.
But what could have been his sins? I still try to ponder over that but yet to come to a conclusion. As an observer, let me share with you a few things these enemies planned to knock Agboworin off but proved abortive. First, they tried not to acknowledge his presence by shunning him when he greeted them. Secondly, Agboworin’s name was not tagged on any seat like other invited political leaders in the federal constituency. Thirdly, Agboworin’s name was not in the list of those who would address the people at the event. Fourth, the enemies already conspired with the Fuji artiste, who performed with his live band, not to mention the name of Agboworin throughout the event. But na lie!
Agboworin got there; he was provided with a seat; he was called upon to address the people; and the people hailed him from start to finish of the programme. So, who was eventually conquered. Won b’inu omo ologo.
Seriously speaking, His enemies went too far having tried to put him to shame but they failed. The level of maturity he personally displayed stood him out. The perceived enemies went against him but God and the people stood by him. Eniyan l’aso eyan. In a saner clime, one would not expect the type of attitude displayed by certain party chieftains of the party against Rep. Agboworin during the campaign. It was childish, needless and out of sense to have displayed such in public. They did not even mind the fact that they are in the same party. The Yoruba people will call it ‘radarada’ or ‘iranu’.
As a true the core and the lover of peace and his party, Agboworin wasn’t bothered by their actions as it didn’t reflect in his mood. Where he was seated on the podium, you could see him still put on a smiling face. And at a particular point, he was called upon to mount the podium to give his goodwill message. Having heard the name ‘Agboworin’, the crowd again went into frenzy and the ovation became louder again with the buzz of Agboworin, Agboworin, Agboworin, which lasted for several minutes before they were calmed down to allow him deliver his speech.
He handled the microphone and told the people what they need to do on Saturday. Agboworin, who had earlier mobilized the market leaders a day before, told the gathering again to vote for all the PDP candidates in the forthcoming local government election to continue to complement the good works of Governor Seyi Makinde at the local government level. This is leadership.
Lastly, I must confess that Rep. Agboworin is a man of the people who has continued to emulate and toe the path of the ‘Oga Oga’, who is his Boss and Principal, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, in delivering good governance to the people of Oyo State.
This has also reflected in what he is doing for the people in his constituency to complement the efforts of the Governor at the state level. It is obvious that wherever Makinde goes, Agboworin follows. Whatever Makinde does, Agboworin emulates his principal.
Let me just add that the Agboworin, who a lot of people know, would never be distracted or discouraged by any conspirators from doing his best in terms of quality representation. He would not stop doing what will bring more developments and dividends of democracy to his constituents because the development of Ibadan North East/South East Federal constituency, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole is more paramount in his mind. Yes, he has the interest of his people at heart.
Well, one needs to only implore the political jobbers, who don’t also have second address, and busy fanning embers of discord in the federal constituency to desist from such act, going forward. We are brothers and sisters in the same PDP family. We are peace-loving and need to display the love to our fellow party members. PDP is a formidable party and we need unity in our federal constituency, state and the nation as a whole.
God bless PDP. God bless Agboworin. God bless Ibadan North East/South East Federal constituency. God bless Oyo State. God bless Nigeria.
