By Abiodun AWOSANYA
In August, 2024, aspirants contesting at the grassroots were equipped on the importance of self-assessment prior to their power-seeking action to avoid toiling with the emotions of the electorates. In the article, a powerful message was also sent to the gladiators – the ruling minority, on why the possession of economic resources should be secondary to “competence” in the process of determining the party flag bearers. This is said to go a long way in shaping the perception, as well as actions of flag bearers when they eventually emerged. While it is observed that the gladiators are taking the path of the masses, it is also observed that politics of interest is coming to play from some of the senior party members in ensuring their desires are met.
This is grassroots politics – the closest to the masses and it must be appropriately structured, especially now that the awareness level is high amongst the youth and the people on what is expected from the emerging political office holders. The influence of the ruling minority is not what should be taken for a ride, and must be duly respected, not only when it is in anyone’s favor. An elected incumbent may also have a say concerning who should succeed him, but not to the degree of overriding that of the gladiators who possess better knowledge and understanding of complex issues, leading to more informed decision (Gaetano, M., 1904). They also prevent rapid shifts in policies, ensuring political stability and continuity. Is it not surprising that the process used in ushering in some political office holders are condemned by the same power mongers, with the intention of retiring the gladiators? This should seriously be frowned at, especially as it relates to Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (IBLCDA).
Even when these political office holders have good intentions in positioning our dear LCDA, the ego of the highly respected political leaders within the LCDA should not be trampled on. Therefore, when they say “No gree for anybody”, it should never include a competition between political party holders and political gladiators. They know your antecedents, but you can never tell theirs. They have sacrificed unimaginably to sustain the party’s credibility and maintain peace and order in the political realm.
Although, whatever happens within a political party is a party affairs, and they will always be fine in the end, the interest of the residents and indigenes of IBLCDA is supreme. It is believed that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. Nevertheless, we must set the record straight while they have these “fights”. First, party executives should not take for granted political gladiators who engineered their emergence. Second, political office holders must give room for the process that ushered them in to happen again. Third, in all, if the interests of the people are not protected, it will be unjust to their sensitivity, because the self-consciousness of the people is awakened. The people are now aware of their social position and collective interest, moving beyond the deceit which is a distorted view of reality imposed by power mongers.
As the Local government elections approach, this is to remind the aspirants that while your interest is being protected by the well-meaning political leaders as well as the people of the IBLCDA, political office is not to enmass wealth even when there are benefits attached to the office you aspire for, when you get the ticket and eventually emerge, the connection you make while in office influence the magnitude of projects you attract to the LCDA, and the impacts you have on the people shall serve as yardstick to assess you in the end.
I will be back again
Abiodun AWOSANYA is a seasoned writer, traffic manager and academic research expert, residing in Lagos.
