Many a time, some of the most educated and cosmopolitan among us can actually suffice as fitting examples of the Nigerian malady. It is equally disturbing that at the opening of opportunity for some of us to exemplify honour in power and/or leadership, they maliciously look away and doubledown in shame.
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was visibly in the prayers of many Nigerians when he took leave to look after himself. Typical of the average Nigerian, even the opposition party interceded on his behalf. At least, “t’a ban ja, bi ti k’a ku ko,” meaning we can disagree without gunning for each other’s jugular.
The governor’s medical condition is public knowledge, which is good. But the nature of leukemia is not one to pretend around a demanding office as though all is well. Thus, announcing his resumption to work, but from in Ibadan, Oyo State, is sheer ingratitude, intended to take the people for granted.
Your recovery is certainly not total yet. You need time to pay more attention and continue to tend to yourself. You have a second address, and politics is just on the side. You can’t be totally well and still want to work and run your state from another state in the same country? Ibadan people didn’t elect you for crying out loud.
How this makes sense to a sound mind and Senior Advocate of Nigeria is simply incomprehensible. It is not just decent but diminishes you and your ideals. The penchant by Nigeria’s political gladiators to take the people and democracy for granted is staggering and embarrassing.
Our recent history reminds us of Alhaji Abubakar Audu, who was on the cusp of victory in a guber contest in Kogi State, before the universe thought his time was up. So if it’s about politics, power, and sustained relevance, rest assured God already knew how and where this would end.
It’s easier to argue that the late President Umar Yar’Adua and former President Muhammadu Buhari did it. It does not change the fact that it’s wrong for progressive politics. Governor Akeredolu, if you’re well and strong enough to return to your desk, go to your state, whose people voted you into office, and work normal.
But if you’re in doubt, be honourable and stand down. It is strength to do so. To do otherwise is greed and a selfish desire to cling unto power. However, that you could even muster the courage to say such, much less do it, is shocking!