By Olasunkanmi Afiwajoye
With each day that passes, I get worried and apprehensive as a citizen of Ondo State, and this is not unconnected to all the political events which culminated in how the former Number Two became the Number One.
Only a naive person would believe that the ‘political storm’ which engulfed Ondo State for several months has suddenly evaporated by the unfortunate exit of the Number One and the subsequent elevation of the Number Two into the Number One position in the Sunshine State.
Considering how the then Deputy was haunted and alienated by some powerful forces who are either loyal to the late governor or want to succeed him, suggest that good and desirable governance is not in sight in Ondo State for as long as they remain in the government. Politicians are who they are – overly ambitious – and these actors will not stop plotting further political machination, which of course is self-service and not to the benefit of the citizens of the Sunshine State.
Ondo State as it stands, is likened to a bus with a group of ambitious drivers jostling to take the wheel. The fact that the man that many would have bet against his chances of taking the wheel is now in the driving seat by providence will not take away the tumultuous atmosphere being experienced in the bus. For this bus to enjoy any semblance of peace, everybody on board must disembark.
Our dear state has never been so politically engrossed with major cabinet members openly working to succeed their boss who was battling for his life. It was evident that ambition and personal interests were at the centre of the political imbroglio which had the then Deputy Governor facing impeachment threat from members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, a situation which became so tensed that the gladiators had to be summoned to Abuja more than once by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu(GCFR).
Trust has been broken amongst members of the executives and everybody will be looking over their shoulders because it’s a polarized government already and no real development can be achieved in that circumstance. Politicians will keep playing politics, and because politics is like kickboxing – there are few restrictions when engaging the opposition. Therefore, the people of Ondo State must look beyond the present political enclave.
What Ondo State needs at this crucial stage is a completely NEW ORDER; a man that is not part of the existing system; who that can consciously harmonize the various interests, build absolute trust within the party, gain people’s confidence, lay a solid foundation for good governance to thrive, harness our God given resources and judiciously utilise it for the greater benefit of the citizens and residents of the Sunshine State. Ondo State has the potential to rank among the most economically viable state in Nigeria with our natural resources.
It takes a visionary, selfless, compassionate, committed leader to achieve these and many more, and Dr. Tunji Rhema Moyero is that man. Decisive, resourceful, and meticulous.
He is the man who can build the modern Ondo State that we will all be proud of; where quality education is made affordable and accessible; who can create the enabling business environments; who can initiate genuine, enduring, transformative change in the state.
I often wonder why we have not become a model in education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, economy etc. I don’t believe we lack the resources to achieve all of that. What is lacking is the will, and only a man like Dr. Tunji Rhema Moyero who has consistently demonstrated a strong desire for impactful leadership can bring that to fruition. A man who believes the people, and by extension the society, is a reflection of himself hence, the need to always strive for a working system.
The so called experienced politicians have not significantly improved the living standard of the people of the society. What then is the worth of their experience? A fruitless experience if you ask me. A trick used in shielding away young people from competing with them politically. How will the young grow when we are also suffocating them? We must therefore jettison the agelong myth that ONLY an “experienced politician” can successfully lead our state rather than a true visionary leader.
TRM, as fondly called is that visionary leader. A multitask and talented individual who has learnt how to manage men and resources even in the midst of scarcity. A brilliant and astute 42-year-old administrator who became a University lecturer at age 29. I am talking about the Assistant Organising Secretary of APC Ondo State. A School Founder/Proprietor, author, and renowned leadership trainer, youth advocate, and coach. I am referring to the Chief Executive Officer of Standites Nigeria Limited – A Real Estate & Construction Firm. He is perfectly cool, calm, calculating, courageous and multi-faceted Nigerian to watch out for.
It’s time to chart a new course, adopt a new order in our dear Ondo State which is what Dr. Tunji Rhema Moyero represents.
Peoplesmind
