In January 2020, when everyone was in a mad rush to make the List, a commissioner-nominee walked in to thank the young chief of staff for standing by him and ensuring that his nomination was not scuttled by ‘enemies from home’.
During nominations, you typically need someone who would ensure that your name is not removed or replaced by powerful individuals from your Constituency. I saw the man go on his knees thanking and praying for Asuku and assuring him of a payback when the time comes. At that time, I quite frankly didn’t understand in what ways he intended to repay.
The humble Asuku was visibly embarrassed that a much older man would go on his knees for him. He promptly helped him up and told him not to do it again. “..chief, it is not you that I’m kneeling down for but your god..” the elated soon-to-be sworn-in Commissioner replied.
Lesson: How Asuku managed the enormous powers, influence and responsibilities of his position without allowing it to ‘get into his head’ is something I hope behavioral scientists would someday unravel.
However, a quick take-home for all of us today is the massive number of loyalists who are now massing for him. They are engaging with stakeholders and putting up good arguments for Asuku Governorship. “That time” which the happy Commissioner prophesied about in January of 2020 has now come, and I take him on his own honor that he will throw his weight behind Asuku no matter the temptations to do otherwise.
And so today, men and women across the State and around the country – Christians, Moslems, civil servants, businesspeople, skilled professionals, artisans, farmers, the youths, PLWD, STUDENTS, widows, politicians, CSOs are united in one song: Give us Asuku!
OJT, 01 April, 2023