All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rallies in all the ten wards in Etsako Central Local Government Area was quite successful and that of Fugar last Saturday 24, February 2018 was no doubt an indication that the party flag bearer for the chairmanship in Etsako Central local government in the forthcoming local government elections, Comrade John Osi Akhigbe (aka Akpogu) and his deputy, Rtn Kelvin Akhigbe were overwhelmingly accepted by the entire people across the local government.
The rally was adjudged the grand rally of the party’s campaign in the local government area so far before the March 3rd elections. This followed the tumultuous APC faithful and supporters that trooped out enmasse to welcome the deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu on behalf of the governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and other party leaders from the state.
The symbolic moment of the event was the official presentation of the local government party’s chairmanship candidate, Com. John Osi Akhigbe by the state party chairman, Barr. Anslem Ojezua as the authentic flag bearer of the party.
Like every great truth, many issues came up during the rally; the salient expose however was the clarion call by the party chairman to the entire populace of the local government to come out enmasse to vote for the APC chairmanship and other candidates in the local government elections. It was a total acceptance beyond doubt for both the chairmanship candidate, his deputy and other councillorship candidates. His acceptance across the ten wards in the local government is unequal and unspeakable. A man of the people, a bridge builder and a man who knows the meaning of open door policy.
The general acceptability of Com. John Akhigbe as chairmanship candidate by the entire people have never been questioned. The issue was that action speaks louder than words came to the fore as the party’s state Chairman, Barr Anslem Ojezua spoke extensively on the good qualities of the man as he described him as a man of honour and integrity, creative ability and innovations, truthful and administrator and being a unifying factor across the length and breadth of the local government area.
Charity, as the saying goes, begins at home. Com. Akhigbe is a man who has worked tirelessly at various times to improve the lots of his people without necessarily playing to the gallery.
Com. Akhigbe makes no pretense about transforming the people with a magic wand overnight. Unlike others, he counts on the support of the people and his undying passion for sustainable development to improve the lots of the people. A seasoned management expert and globally acclaimed leadership trainer, this man who has paid his dues promised to take service delivery to new heights. In addition to infrastructure development, Com. Akhigbe has articulated a workable plan for youths and women empowerment. Above all, his highest selling point is his antecedent and avowed commitment to purposeful leadership and transparency in governance. For now, how he intends to achieve his dreams for the people is obviously more important.
Com. Akhigbe is a credible alternative in a political setting soaked in tension emanating from APC politics of inclusion which is evident in his political philosophy that drives home the point that his people are “Greater Together “. Having considered where the people find themselves now and where they ought to be, the Fugar born politician of distinction has thought it wise to devise a political strategy that seeks to mobilize the people for the common good regardless of their ethnic, religious and political differences. To dwell further on his “Greater Together” Political philosophy, it is a deliberate attempt to aggravate the social capital with a view to employing the benefits that flow from such a governmental arrangement, including trust, cooperation, information and reciprocity, to re-invent governance.
Clearly, what Com. Akhigbe intends to achieve is a more politically stable environment driven by increasing awareness, greater participation, and the building of public trust in political leadership. Beyond mere platitudes, com. Akhigbe action-plan will provide real solutions to the problems confronting the people in recent times. On the political sense, he represents a paradigm shift in many aspects to the admiration of his friends and close associates. Com. Akhigbe is not one to shut the door against a brother or neighbour on account of political differences. Little wonder therefore he has spent time in building bridges of unity and friendship across the length and breadth of the local government.
Without a shadow of doubt, com. Akhigbe is technically equipped for the chairmanship position wherein making correct political decisions requires sound judgment. Having known the task and challenges ahead of his election, he has consequently promised to keep to his electioneering campaign promises across the nooks and crannies of the locality
“The chick that would become a cock”, as the African saying goes “can be spotted the very first day it was hatched.” This is a unique opportunity for all to identify and give maximum support as he has promised to take the local government area to an enviable height and number one in the state.
Apparently, it is widely acknowledged that “He who wants to succeed should learn from the successful, hence, Com. Akhigbe has learnt from Comrade Adams Oshiomhole having being his director of Protocol for 8 years.
What is “valuable is worth appreciable” Akhigbe needs to be appreciated by coming out enmasse to cast our votes for him. I therefore think and believe this is an opportunity to acknowledge his gentleman-like qualities, strength of character, consistency, humility and wisdom as we prepare to vote on Saturday for the local government election.
Political analysts believe in the clarification of issues. Com. Akhigbe is known not to be a personality-based politician. He is always issues-based like many people rightly observed. One, his efforts in letting the people know what practical promise and theoretical promise stands for should be commended. The basis of electioneering is to state the obvious , hence, com. Akhigbe has stated what he will be able to do and what he will not be able to do as chairman of the council.
As a unifying factor, com. Akhigbe has been able to bring back those big wigs of other political parties in the local government to APC to identify, work and support him in order to achieve success. Among them are political leaders, former council chairman, Chief Joseph Alemoh AkhigbBe; one time LGA party chairman, Pst. Hon. Paul Oshugo; ward chairmen; youths and women leaders in the local government.
Today, elections in Nigeria have reached a new crescendo and it is imperative to dissect the single most important factor that motivates electorates in deciding who they cast their vote for. Glaringly, asides “stomach infrastructure” which many believe it’s the closest to the grassroots, other factors such as competency, antecedents and party affiliations become less important. It is believed that people now vote for a candidate that is suitable for the job.
Finally, duty they say make people work, but love makes people work beautifully as Com. Akhigbe has showed love to everyone that comes his way.
