TheCable

BY OLUWASEUN AMIRE

Obviously, Nigerian political landscape has not gotten to Eldorado but somethings have moved away from where we started 1999. If one thing at all, the political consciousness of the electorates has increased. It is no longer cheap for any politician to hoodwink the electorates as the case was two decades ago when Nigeria returned to democracy.

Though it remains debateable if Nigeria’s development is in consonance with the number of billions spent so far but one thing is sure that we are moving forward slowly but surely. More than before, the awareness social media had created in the last one decade has put politicians and political leaders on their toes to either perform or lose the next election.

One astute politician this piece focuses is Mrs Bidoun Olujimi, the current senator representing Ekiti South senatorial district at the national assembly. A dogged fighter, grassroot politician and lover of Ekiti State. Some described her as a “woman like a man”.

Events in the last few weeks have revealed the sincerity or otherwise of most politicians and leaders particularly in Ekiti state. It has shown those who want to serve, love and committed to Ekiti wellbeing. Senator Biodun Olujimi is one of the senators representing the state at the national assembly. While she is from the opposition party, the PDP. Other two senators are of the ruling party in the state, the APC.

COVID-19 & PALLIATIVES

Up till this moment, none of the other two senators has thought it needful to give any palliatives for the people in the state. At least, I didn’t see that happen.

Senator Biodun Olujimi has been consistent in giving palliatives not only to her senatorial district residents but across all political parties in the state.

Within the week, she credited accounts of over 2000 residents across the 16 local government areas in the state with 10,000 naira each. According to her “10,000 each for these 2000 people is the first phase of the palliatives.

Hunger knows no enemies nor political coloration. I am committed to “Ekiti first project”.

We must see ourselves as one first before talking about political party. Party is a vehicle to win an election but you must make the welfare of the people a priority particularly in an epidemic period as this.

My belief is that this little token will help a family navigate the season well and stay alive till the COVID 19 pandemic is over”. What a statement from a sincere leader!

When you hear a loving politician speaks as above, you cannot but conclude she is different from those who seek positions for personal benefits.

EASTER 2020 RELIEF MATERIALS FOR POLITICAL PARTIES

As a leader, Senator Olujimi is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ekiti State. She campaigned and won her election back to the senate on the platform of the party even though Dr Ayodele Fayose, former governor of the state, campaigned against her interest but as God will have it, she won and court of appeal affirmed it thereby sent Prince Dayo Adeyeye out of the senate.

Senator Olujimi’s commitment for inclusive governance is unparalleled. While donating food and other items for APC in the state, she said “Ekiti state is our own. We are one despite our political differences.

These materials are my little token for you to share with your various part members to have something to celebrate this Easter. Materials for Social Democratic Party, SDP will be delivered as well. My party, the PDP, had theirs last week.

Please let us see ourselves as one in Ekiti state as hunger and poverty know no party. Please ensure these materials get to your members who are vulnerable and in need. It is meant for the needy not the greedy”.

Above statement is a clear departure from an average politician who sees everything with a party mindset.

While political parties should and must play politics before and during elections, every politician should learn form Senator Biodun Olujimi’s gesture and developmental dimension to politics in Nigeria.
Developed nations are products of this mindset.

The nation becomes one after an election is won and winners are declared.

The winners rallied round and make developments all inclusive. Since 1999, if our leaders of various political parties have moved along this right path, our progress would have been geometric as against the current speed.

In the coming days, we need politicians like Senator Biodun Olujimi in our political landscape for quality developments devoid of political colorations.

Amire, a social commentator, writes from Igbara-Odo Ekiti.