Persona non grata: How Ododo/Oyibo leadership shuns divisive political mobilization
By Isah Jibrin Egbolo
It is logical that when people come together, informed and enlightened, they can make wise decisions. Truth emerges from a clash of ideas, from the push and pull of contending views.
In any association, individuals have the right to form opinions on public issues and make independent decisions, as enshrined in our constitution and upheld by libertarian scholars. The Ododo/Oyibo leadership creates a level playing field for active participation in politics and governance. The proliferation of political networks like the Ododo/Oyibo Continuity Movement should borrow from the example of these “inseparable twins.” They reflect the masses because politics is a game of numbers, and as the saying goes, one cannot make a loud ovation by clapping with one hand.
Political integration is needed in every election cycle through mass reconciliation and mobilization. We are on the threshold of unity through courteous communication that projects a good image of ourselves and our leaders. Political victory is anchored on collaboration, collective responsibility, and collective integrity. A leader’s language must be diplomatic and cordial, giving room for constructive criticism, especially in political associations and networking. Messaging must also consider the population characteristics of the people.
A leader must be guided by kind words, particularly in conflict and diverse situations. Ododo/Oyibo represent peace, patience, respect, humility, and kindness. Therefore, supporters of Ododo/Oyibo should engage in communication that represents not only their ideology but also promotes peace.
Ododo/Oyibo are the most democratic, courageous, and visionary leaders Kogi has ever produced. This is the painful truth that their opponents may not want to hear. Ododo/Oyibo will serve a second term, and heaven will not fall. Opponents should be mindful of their health; they cannot stop this second-term victory, because one good term deserves another.
The Ododo/Oyibo leadership is forcing Kogites to embrace productivity for self-reliance and success so they do not remain liabilities to the future of our dear state. It is reviving dead systems, identifying talents, and utilizing them — as seen in the appointments of Hon. Eunice Achimugu, Hon. Cosmos Attabo, Hon. Ayuba Shuaibu, Hon. Christiana Ogwu, Jon Emmanuel OJ popularly known as Emma Show Love and many others space will not permit me to mention.
One notable characteristic of our Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, is a candid photo he took with Hon. Idris Mustapha of Egume in Dekina LGA. It signifies hope for youths, the downtrodden, and the less privileged. That picture is clear testament to humility and love for the survival of Kogi sons and daughters under this administration.
My appreciation goes to Hon. Aye Dan Suleiman, Hon. Omika Shuaibu — permit me to exclude “Snake” as a nickname due to its derogatory meaning and cultural sensibilities — Hajiya Halimatu, and Mohammed Araba for their continuous efforts toward true democracy in the state. The Ododo/Oyibo government has given voice to these young individuals through participatory democracy and legitimate institutions.
In the past, politics was defined by thuggery and violent ideologies. Ododo/Oyibo has awakened the spirit of hard work, responsibility, inclusion, and innovation among youths in the governance of the state. It is fair to say that this positive administration will force political predators in Kogi to retirement. Their administration is putting systems in place that will keep the state moving forward automatically. Even if political neophytes or unprepared individuals parading as opposition leaders take over in 2031, they will find it difficult to destroy the solid foundation inherited for the collective benefit of the state.
It is noteworthy that Ododo/Oyibo deserve the unfiltered support of Kogites in the interest of good governance, regardless of creed, religion, tribe, political affiliation, ethnicity, or cultural background. Ododo/Oyibo ended the salary impasse for all civil servants in the state. Opposition parties are not supposed to be anti-government; they should push the government toward greater success through cogent criticism that deepens alternative ideas for more development.
In this climate, it is advisable for all political networks under the Ododo/Oyibo Continuity agenda to work in synergy and avoid tendencies that breed “persona non grata” in our collective crusade and association.
Isah Jibrin Egbolo is a grassroots mobiliser in Igalamela/Odolu local government area of Kogi State
