The governor isn’t optically impaired. He sees very well, and he saw everything.
He saw those who were glued to him while he was in Yala, and he knows those who truly have the capacity, credibility and political value to offer.
The traditional New Yam Festival, a deeply rooted sociocultural event celebrated annually by the people of Yala from time immemorial—long before the 30th of August became the agreed date in the 1970s—appears to have taken another dimension in the hands of certain individuals who now sit on the pews of power.
What was habitually a sociocultural event has gradually become a political activity, heavily spiced with the political ingredients of the ruling party, the APC.
That is a dangerous drift.
It is a departure from an ancient landmark, and every departure from an established cultural tradition comes with consequences. I wonder why people identified with opposition political parties appeared to have been excluded from what should ordinarily be an inclusive cultural celebration.
Sadly, the custodians of our traditions and customs, who ought to have been the ones correcting the politicians, appear to have been hoodwinked, seduced, enticed and mesmerised by political actors.
Our traditional leaders have become so politically obsequious that many now lack the courage to ask political office holders the uncomfortable questions about the political ecology of our communities.
Let me pause on this aspect for another day.
Now, let’s talk about those notice-me politicians who were practically falling over themselves to impress the governor in Yala a few days ago.
The truth is that many of them have little or no political credibility. Some cannot even win their polling units because they have not meaningfully empowered or impacted their people.
They don’t visit home.
They don’t participate meaningfully in community development.
They have no discernible footprint in human-capital development to point to if their records are subjected to public scrutiny.
Yet, they are remarkably cloying and politically smart.
Every Christmas, New Yam Festival and perhaps Easter, they suddenly remember their people. They distribute a little here and make a little noise there, all for optics.
But there is one man who has distinguished himself from this crowd.
He is deliberate, consistent and genuinely present with his people both in season and out of season. He does not wait for festive periods before demonstrating love and concern. He is there when his people are grieving. He is there in difficult moments. He is there when there is something to celebrate.
That man is Senator Stephen Odey (Prof).
His relationship with his people is not seasonal. It is sustained.
In my estimation, he is the only person in that political circle who can comfortably win his ward in the 2027 general elections without having to manufacture crowds or deploy political theatrics.
That is an incontrovertible fact, and it is not written to massage his ego. It is simply an observation based on his sustained relationship with his people.
Another person who has a sterling record is Dr. Beatrice Igwe Igwe. When she had an opportunity, she utilized it to the benefit of all.
The governor must therefore be smart. 🤓
He should beware of chochocho.
This is the season of political trade fairs, where expired products are repackaged, rebranded and presented as new arrivals.
Your Excellency, shine your eyes.
Look beyond the people making the loudest noise around you. Look beyond those competing for proximity, photographs and flattering headlines.
The good products don’t necessarily come with the loudest packaging.
Chi-chi-do-dos are on the prowl.
And some of them are already wearing new labels.
Comr. Ogar Emmanuel Oko
Publisher, Rabbit Punch
He writes from Ijegu Ojor Autonomous Community