Politics
Ogun: Endorsements, emotional intelligence and oppositional defiant disorder
Ogun: Endorsements, emotional intelligence and oppositional defiant disorder
By Kunle Somorin
Many may wonder what has attracted a groundswell of goodwill, endorsement and accolades to Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun lately. He is lucky to have a good upbringing and a mien uncommon in the pantheon of successful politicians and businessmen.
There is no gainsaying that the gale of endorsement for his second term ambition by traditional rulers, professional bodies, market men and women, artisan, transporters, youths, elder statesmen and the business community has more to do with aversion for the oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) inherent in his predecessor, Ibikunle Amosun, than anything else.
But the governor does not take the goodwill for granted. He has been a major promoter of accountable, open, just, fair, equitable, inclusive governance which he believs is fundamental to the building our future together agenda that would equally engender economic growth of the state and individual prosperity of the citizens.
Nothing reveals this more tellingly than the decampment of Amosun’s core loyalists and switching of allegiance to the poster boy for the 21st Ogun State. Ahead of the 2023, the rank of the former loyalists of Senator Amosun, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ill-fated vehicle, Allied Progressives Movement (APM) used as vehicles to undermine the ruling party, are back in the mainstream APC led by Gov. Abiodun.
They include the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Olalekan Mustapha, Amosun’s two-term commissioner for health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, his counterpart in the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs, Chief Olajide Ojuko. Others are one-time Party chairman in the State, Alhaji Tajudeen Lemboye and other chieftains like Chief Olu Odeyemi, Gbenga Adekanbi and Hon. Dotun Fasanya among other influential leaders across the three senatorial districts.
Before then, Governor Dapo Abiodun had used emotional intelligence couched in his inclusive approach to governance to deplete opposition elements by getting to his side former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), won the heart of Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, who ran on the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against him and a horder of other influential political giants in the state like the late Buruji Kashamu who not only collapsed his dominant group in the PDP into the APC.
Most of the decampees love Abiodun’s approach of spreading projects to all sections of the state at the expense of no other, in contrast to his predecessor’s style. Abiodun even-handedness in various projects seems to have eclipsed whatever differences they had against his emergence as governor.
Not sensing that he was swimming against the tide, former governor, Ibikunle Amosun while speaking after receiving an award from Abeokuta Club to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the club said the 2019 governorship election in the state was rigged to favour the incumbent, calling on his supporters – who are already on the other side – to be on the lookout for the next line of action.
“You know clearly my stand on this matter, just wait very soon, you will hear from us, my stand is where I stand, I am not in support of this administration, he must be removed”, Amosun said, passing “fatwa” on his successor’s second term bid.
Many found this apostasy distasteful. They recalled Governor Abiodun’s style of governance and how he has related with the leaders of the party and acquitted himself creditably as an administrator. One rhetorically asked: “How did we miss Governor Dapo Abiodun’s emotional intelligence?”
He cited the event, penultimate month, at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where the national leader and the presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Party (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, referred to Gov. Abiodun as “Eleyi” ((This one)!
While President Buhari was not physically present and also might require the help of a translator to make sense of what Asiwaju Tinubu said on that day, Governor Abiodun was right at the event and understands Yoruba very well – the language through which Asiwaju made those comments. The comments even managed to get a reaction from the Presidency and the APC leadership; to demonstrate how weighty they are.
“But the response of Governor Abiodun, was cool, calm and calculated. His (Abiodun’s) emotional intelligence practically saved the day. Amosun, the man said, would never take it. He would have unleashed mayhem like he did in February 2019 when his boys pelted party apparatchiks, including a sitting President Muhammadu Buhari with sachet water, not to talk of a would-be President,” the party man enthused
For the reflective politicians, while Asiwaju’s riposte can be explained away on the ground of being an elder and avuncular godfather and benefactor to the governor, what transpired at the Abeokuta Club and beyond with mobilization of sinister groups to oust the governor – fair or foul – would have set the state on fire if the shoe had been in the other foot. It is the the worst form of presumptuous rudeness, infra dignitatem and anti-partyism, they surmised.
It should be noted that Abiodun’s graceful node of emotional intelligence contrast to Amosun’s oppositional defiance disorder (ODD). For the uninitiated, ODD is generally associated with children. Patients afflicted by it exhibit signs and characteristics of belligerence, manifesting in hostile behavior to elders and antagonistic reactions to authority figures. Like an ODD patient, Abiodun’s predecessor has, in an attempt to control, engaged in negative mannerisms: defiant, disrespectful and conducted himself in acts designed to make the authority figure lose his temper.
With emotional intelligence, Abiodun has through a well-thought out action plan and careful monitoring, clipped the senator’s wings. The key element employed is not to get caught up in playing the person’s game, because with their rules it was meant to make him act equally rascally and irritably. Like a trained psychotherapist, Abiodun takes control of the situation and make the delinquent adult accountable for his shenanigans. Any keen observer or dye-in-the wool pundit and realist would have seen how his successor, Governor Dapo Abiodun is holding his own against the apparently irritable behavior of the outgoing senator dancing his last political dance in the market place, after failing in 2019.
As prescribed by doctors, dealing with an ODD requires making a list of specific instances where the adult exhibited oppositional defiance. An adult with oppositional defiance needs concrete examples of inappropriate behaviour rather than a general observation that can be dismissed. Amosun’s cup has overflown. The records are there. Instances abound of Amosun trespassing into the home of the leader of the party in the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba with drone, undermining him and keeping his former friend and predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel in limbo for the eight years he held sway as the Gateway’s Number One Citizen.
The Omoluabi disposition and performance, however, set Abiodun apart from his predecessor. Across the state and different groups: professional class, youths, market women and men, elder statesmen and women, traditional rulers and workers, the gale of endorsement has been exciting. They all premised their endorsement on Dapo Abiodun’s people-oriented and inclusive leadership, love for the citizens, altruism and performance.
Indeed, Abiodun won the hearts of the people with his practise of politics without bitterness and by bringing down political tension and heat in Ogun State. He also located and spread projects across the three senatorial districts, unlike the lopsidedness of the immediate past.
At the height of Amosun’s open hosititilty, Abeokuta became a no-go area for his living predecessors. His shenanigans gave rise to Egbe Matagba mole (Society that frowns at disrespect for elders) and ouster of the Akinrogun Egba who unleashed the accountant as the candidate of APC on the party in 2011. Long story short, 2019 was Amosun’s albatross as he was shamelessly suspended by the party for working against its interest and the Ogun electorate resounding rejected his nominee who ran on the ticket of the Allied People’s Movement (APM).
Like the chameleon that would not keep changing his colours, 2023 has come and the exuberance remains unabated in the man who could not decipher that who the gods will kill, they first make made. Interestingly, sometimes it’s difficult to recognize the difference between a strong-willed or emotional child and one with oppositional defiant disorder. It’s normal to exhibit oppositional behaviour but with proper grooming and psychological maturity the symptoms can wane. Not for Amsoun.
Conversely, even in the face of provocation, Gov Abiodun ability to perceive, use, understand, manage and handle emotions is commendable. People with high emotional intelligence can recognise their own emotions and those of others, use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, and adjust emotions to adapt to environments.
Emotional intelligence is a core leadership quality and Prince Abiodun’s display of it throughout this season of pre-election madness tells a lot about his character and substance.
The last time a similar quality was displayed was during the 2015 presidential election, when then INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega handled Peter Godsday Orubebe’s outburst at the INEC headquarters with such calmness that it earned him national and international commendation.
In the case of Prince Abiodun, those who know him very well would attest to the fact that, either as a leader or as an individual, emotional intelligence has never been in short supply in his dealings with people.
The governor will never deny the good people do to him. As attested to by many when they reeled out their endorsement criteria, he remains grateful to people whose contributions have taken him thus far in life and believes that mentorship often succeeds where ‘godfatherism’ fails.
Abiodun has mentioned many times that the position of governor he holds is in trust for the people of Ogun State and that his social contract with the people is to be fair, just and equitable. He owes God, the good people of Ogun and himself the fulfillment of that solemn agreement.
Since power in a democracy belongs ultimately to the people through the ballot, Abiodun’s hope for a renewal of his mandate come 2023 – and the hope for a much better delivery of dividends of democracy – is rooted in his faith in God, the support of the people of Ogun and the numerous achievements his administration has recorded since he was first entrusted with the mandate in 2015.
Prince Dapo Abiodun’s investment, development and empowerment priorities, strategically embedded in his administration’s ISEYA mantra, have endeared him in the hearts of both critical stakeholders and ordinary people alike. Apart from being Yoruba for ‘Time to roll up the sleeves’, ISEYA is also Abiodun’s acronym for his administration’s developmental blueprint, which is: I – Infrastructure; S – Social Development and Wellbeing; E – Education; Y – Youth Development, and; A – Agriculture and Food Security.
His a vision to give Ogun State focused and qualitative governance and to create the enabling environment for a public private sector partnership, which is fundamental to the creation of an enduring economic development and individual prosperity of the people of Ogun has transformed the state within three years. His “Building Our Future Together” agenda has been diligently and dutifully pursued so much that even old adversaries have closed ranks and keyed into his vision
Not taking the decampees for granted, Gov. Abiodun reminisced: “You have got it right by taking this bold step in the sense that one cannot say because of sympathy you continue to stay with somebody and become useless. You should know what you want, where to get it and how to get it.
“I am one governor who is passionate about inclusiveness, just and fair. You can see that even if you join the party today, I take and recognize you as people who had been with the party from the inception. Politics is parochial; it is how to better your life and that of others. You cannot do politics with emotions. I want to welcome you back to the larger family and since you are not strangers, you will be promptly integrated”, during one of the harvest of returnee party stalwarts.
Somorin is chief press secretary to Gov. Dapo Abiodun
FHA MD/ CEO, Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Akwa Ibom State.
…As Governor Umo Eno pledges to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu .
The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno has pledged full support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) on housing. This was made known Thursday, 2nd May 2024, when the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority Hon Oladimeji Oyetunde Ojo paid a visit to the state.
The Governor who in an unprecedented manner handed over an allocation letter and survey plan of 50.3 hectares of land in Uyo to Federal Housing Authority for the Renewed Hope Housing programme, commended the Authority’s management under the leadership of Hon Oyetunde Ojo for adopting policy of consulting with the state governments before embarking on any project.
Governor Eno frowned at the idea of some agencies coming into states and do works without consulting the states who are the major Stakeholders, said he wishes they could emulate the inclusivity disposition of FHA management.
He noted that his government has not done any project in the State without engaging the Stakeholders. In his words, “we watch as your management travels to engage State governments. There is no project we have done in Akwa Ibom without engaging with the Stakeholders holders. We wish other agencies will emulate you”
Earlier, Hon Ojo had informed the Governor that the reason for the visit was for the Authority’s new management to pay him a courtesy visit and to bring President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Housing to the state.
The FHA CEO noted that Akwa Ibom is the 15th state his Management would be visiting in about three weeks, and stated that the reason for the visits is to consult with the state Governors who are the custodians of lands in their various states. Hon Ojo pointed out that it is needless embarking on housing projects without having the imputs of the people who the houses are built for. He said consulting with the Stakeholders makes the people to take ownership of such projects and reduces the incidents of such houses not taken on completion.
He therefore told the governor that FHA has come to ask for land. According to him, ” … we have come to request for land to develop Mass Housing for the people of the state. We are not going to speculate on the land”
The FHA boss said that the Authority would partner with the government in coming up with designs that would suite the people, rather than imposing one on them. He noted that FHA is known for developing cities within cities, citing Festac Town, Lagos and Gwarinpa in Abuja as examples.
On the affordability of the houses as mandated by Mr President, Hon Ojo said FHA has come up with such delivery models as carcas ,where only the exterior will have a prototype finishing, then plumbing and electricals because of their sensitive nature, leaving the allottees to do the rest finishing according to their individual taste and capacity.
He also said such other model as studios would be targeting the younger ones, who are starting live.
The MD told the governor that FHA is planning Diaspora cities across the states for the benefit of our people outside the country. He hinted that the Authority launched its digitalisation drive on the 1st of May, 2024 a feature that will help in the Diaspora initiative.
He finally requested the state government to assist in getting off takers and helping in reducing some of the bottle necks in developing the houses which would definitely help in reducing the cost of the houses.
He noted that the value chain of construction and Housing development has been a major tool in fighting inflation all over the world and as such would be of great benefit to the state.
Hon Ojo noted that the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda is non political but all about Nigerians in the directives of Mr President. He stated that President Tinubu has put politics aside and is determined to work for the good of all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation or tribe.
Celebrating Gbajabiamila’s Twin Babies In NASS
By Philip Agbese
As the dust settles on the newly renovated main Chambers of the National Assembly, a sense of pride and accomplishment fills the air. As I sit down to write this piece, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation that has taken place within the hallowed halls of the National Assembly, all thanks to the indomitable spirit and vision of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The recent renovation of the main Chambers of the National Assembly, which now houses the Representatives and the Senate, is nothing short of a dream come true. The newly established National Assembly Library and Research Centre stands as evidence of the unwavering dedication of Femi Gbajabiamila, the current Chief of Staff to the President.
The Book of History was filled again with overwhelming salient paragraphs when the Chief of Staff to the President and immediate past, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR visits the new National Assembly Library/Resource Centre and the Newly renovated House of Representatives Chambers, projects facilitated in the 9th Assembly under Gbajabiamila’s leadership. There, he was received by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., principal officers, and other members of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly on Monday.
In a manner reminiscent of a woman in the labour room discovering she’s been carrying twins, the unveiling of these projects has brought an unexpected and delightful surprise to the forefront. The parallel between the birth of new life and the rebirth of the National Assembly is both humorous and enlightening, underscoring the unforeseen potential that lay dormant, waiting to be realized.
What sets these achievements apart is not just their aesthetic appeal but the fact that they were executed and delivered by indigenous contractors. The successful completion of these projects and the inspection of both facilities on Monday has confirmed what many of us have long believed – that we are more than capable of achieving greatness without relying on foreign companies who often seek to exploit us for their gain.
The inspection of these facilities has not only confirmed their quality but has also served as a resounding rebuttal to the notion that foreign companies are the only ones capable of delivering large-scale projects. This display of homegrown excellence stands as a testament to the ingenuity and proficiency of Nigerian contractors, dispelling the myth that foreign entities hold a monopoly on quality construction.
Drawing parallels to the biblical story of Solomon completing the temple started by David, the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., exemplifies humility and dedication, which I found admiring and worthy of note. Just as Solomon saw to the completion of his predecessor’s grand vision, Speaker Tajudeen has carried forward Gbajabiamila’s initiatives with grace and commitment. Hon. Abbas is not given to self-aggrandizement, but the one I know to be filled with total humility and respect. His leadership and collaborative approach have been instrumental in ensuring the successful realization of these projects, thereby further reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance.
The significance of these developments extends beyond the physical structures themselves. The renovated chambers and the establishment of the research center not only elevate the image of the parliament, but also reflects the grandeur of renowned parliaments, positioning the National Assembly as a hub for legislative research and innovation, not only within Nigeria but across the African continent. This development opens doors for collaboration and knowledge sharing among lawmakers, fostering a more informed and progressive legislative environment. The impact of these facilities will undoubtedly reverberate far beyond the walls of the National Assembly, leaving an indelible mark on the legislative landscape.
Reflecting on my visit to the British Parliament in 2018, I am struck by the uncanny resemblance between those esteemed halls and the newly refurbished chambers here in Abuja. This is a testament to the remarkable work of Gbajabiamila, and I am honoured to witness such a significant milestone during my tenure as a member of the House.
Now let’s picture this – the National Assembly undergoing a makeover, complete with a stylish new library and research centre. It’s as if the hallowed halls received a fabulous makeover, courtesy of none other than Gbajabiamila. The thought of stately politicians surrounded by the trappings of modernity is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
In the spirit of education and enlightenment, it’s crucial to highlight the transformative power of these developments for a clearer understanding. The establishment of a state-of-the-art research centre within our National Assembly is a cause for celebration, as it signifies our commitment to intellectual growth and legislative prowess. With these new facilities, the possibilities for groundbreaking research, innovative legislation, and collaborative efforts are simply boundless.
Special credit must also be given to Hon. Dan Amos, the current House Committee Chairman on House Services, for his outstanding supervision throughout the renovation and establishment processes. His meticulous oversight also ensured that these projects were executed seamlessly, delivering a result that meets the highest standards. Hon. Amos and his committee can be likened to the midwives who facilitated the successful delivery of Gbajabiamila’s vision for the National Assembly. Their dedication and attention to detail deserve good recognition.
As I sit privileged to serve as a member of the House, the transformation of the National Assembly under the leadership of Gbajabiamila has not only inspired a sense of pride but has also evoked a sense of humour and awe at the unexpected and delightful turn of events. The collaborative efforts and dedication of all those involved in making this dream a reality is much overwhelming and it’s a testament to the existing unity in Nigeria as a whole, irrespective of party affiliations or political loyalty. The juxtaposition of the unexpected twin babies and the unveiling of these projects serves as a profound testament to the fulfilment of a grand vision.
Truly for a fact, this recent unveiling of the refurbished chambers, alongside the inauguration of the National Assembly Library and Research Centre, marks a significant milestone in transforming Nigeria’s legislative hub. The brain behind this remarkable feat, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has not only delivered on his vision but has also set a new standard for indigenous excellence in infrastructure development.
In conclusion, the transformation of the National Assembly under the stewardship of Femi Gbajabiamila is not only a testament to his vision and leadership but a resounding declaration of the capabilities and potential of indigenous talent. Gbaja’s unwavering dedication to the betterment of the National Assembly has brought about a renaissance that will leave an indelible mark on the fabric of our legislative institution. The humour, the unexpectedness, and the educational significance of these developments all coalesce to paint a picture of a man who has redefined the landscape of the National Assembly and has emerged as the perfect embodiment of fulfillment.
As we bask in the glory of these achievements, let us not forget the humour and joy that accompanies such momentous occasions. After all, laughter and lightheartedness can make even the most serious of endeavours all the more enjoyable. With great delight and pride, I celebrate the birth of Gbajabiamila’s “twin babies” in the National Assembly, a testament to his vision, leadership, and the potential of indigenous excellence. Cheers to Gbajabiamila and the vibrant future of the National Assembly!
Agbese MHR is the Deputy Spokesperson, National Assembly’s House of Representatives, writing from Abuja.
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