By Eju-ojo Omale
There is no doubting the fact that the 2023 Kogi gubernatorial race is gathering momentum as Kogites are getting set to see those interested in the race any moment from now.
Till this moment, most of those currently eyeing the number one seat in the state are quiet and undecided about their aspirations. Most political pundits found it difficult to ascertain when the bigwigs in the ruling party would signify their intent.
As far as the declaration for that position from the ruling party in Kogi state is concerned, it was near silence everywhere till this moment. But the debate at political gatherings was essentially pointing a finger on the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Pharm. Abdulkareem Asuku Jamiu.
Despite the various outcry by numerous groups for the CoS to give a shot at the race, he had equivocally responded without prejudice that whatever will be the decision of the Boss, the Governor, is what he shall abide by.
The Governor who has, at various fora, declared publicly that he has competent lieutenants to choose to be his successor, but there is an undoubted unanimity in the voices of people on the streets – matter of fact, among Kogites at home and in the diaspora — that Pharm. Asuku is the best and the right lieutenant to succeed the White Lion of Kogi state.
Though I’m from the Eastern flank of the state but my interactions from politicians from Kogi state clearly shows that Pharm. Asuku is one of the beaming lights, giving the new generation the driving mentality and a new type of leadership and political mentality that can propel the dream of the state founding fathers to reality.
I was made to understand that the CoS, as a politician, respects win-win political rules and never engages in do-or-die politics. His humanitarian ideology rejects blood taking politics or life wasting exercise as commonly practiced by some greedy politicians. He believes politics is about the people. Asuku never leads from behind. As Chief of Staff, he is always in the frontline when a goal is to be achieved.
Many told me that since he started serving as Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Yahaya Bello’s government has successfully reformatted the budgeting, procurement, debt management, revenue generation, annual audited financial statement, and public financial management (PFM) systems. This is evidenced by the state’s performance ranking first among Nigerian states in the last four years for Financial Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS).
Asuku is a young leader to watch out for. With his unique access criteria, he allowed for the appointments of young men and women in the New Direction government.
Amazingly, it is said that praise singing is not his favorite thing, that he is one of those men who work harder and speaks less, as well as not craving to be noticed.
As at the moment of writing this piece, the call for Pharm. Asuku to run for Governor of Kogi state is gaining momentum and in no distant time from now, the youths and women groups may have no alternative than to occupy the streets to make their petitions open.
– Eju-ojo Omale writes from Abuja, Nigeria.