One of the missing factors in Nigeria’s political leadership equation, is the persisting lack of requisite experience and will on the part of the principal actors to serve the state instead of the self.Thus, we have been bedeviled by the dark-horse syndrome. The other is the internecine gambit for the plums and perquisites of office, characterized by intrigues, mischief making and sheer blackmail,sometimes using armed thugs to brow beat real and perceived political foes.Yet, a third and quite distasteful ingredient in the potpourri of power is the obscene display of ill-gotten wealth aimed at courting the voters’ favour and thereby swaying his choice, all for monetary gains. But for how long would this continue? That is the million-naira question.

Truth is, that where competent,committed,courageous and patriotic politicians emerge on the scene their path to accessing the pedestal of power is literally strewn with thistles and thorns.There is however, one concerned Nigerian well-heeled in the art and science of politics who is battle-ready to make the paradigm shift. He wants to be the exception rather than the rule. And he is none other than the two-time Senator Ajayi Boroffice, representing Akoko North Constituency,using the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC). But he knows it is not going to be a walk in the park. As he highlighted in a recent media chat, it is sad to note that sometimes you need the money and the thugs He should know. All through his political career he has distanced himself from anything that has to do with violence or throwing money about all because he wants some fleeting political position.

As the Asiwaju of Akokoland; a dignifying position thrust upon him after the demise of Chief Rufus Giwa he has become a worthy role model to all. Indeed, he wants to be the exception rather than the rule of brigandage in politics. He did not condescend to the use of thugs or foul language when he contested and convincingly won the Senatorial seat on two occasions. Not even when he squared up against a formidable candidate such as Chief Bode Jumoke. And he is not going to do so currently.

Instead, he wants to make the difference-to leave a legacy of positively impacting on the sustainable quality of life of his people. This he has amply demonstrated by his several philanthropic gestures. Over the years, he has sponsored the sinking of bore holes in virtually all the towns and villages across the Senatorial District that he represents. In addition, he has engaged in youth and women empowerment for skills acquisition and self-reliance. To further this noble cause, he donated grinding machines, motorcycles, in addition to 100 cars and 200 tricycles to those who needed them most.

For someone much-respected for his loyalty to the party, Boroffice firmly believes in the principles of putting the larger picture above his selfish ambitions. His victory at the polls in 2011 was seen by some as riding on the popularity of Governor Mimiko, then on the platform of the Labour Party, LP. But his successes using the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and later the APC have shown that he is constantly faithful to any cause he believes in.

For instance,when in 2012 Barrister Akeredolu clinched the party’s ticket for the gubernatorial race, ahead of him he remained in the party. Even when some politicians such as the former Deputy Governor,Ola Olanusi, and others such as Olu Agunloye, Saka Lawal, Olaiya Oni as well as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly left he stayed loyal and used his influence to win Akoko South-West added to Akoko North for the party. Such a rare form of unflinching loyalty he has also demonstrated when crisis reared its ugly head at the Senate.

Having stayed in the APC for the four years of its existence, combined with the ever-expanding political structures on ground and the aforementioned loyalty, Boroffice stands head and shoulders above the pack to clinch the coveted governorship of the APC.The other factor that stands him in good stead is his wealth of professional experience. This includes his untainted career,that has seen him as a professor of molecular biology at the premier University of Ibadan, subsequently as the Director/Science Coordinator at the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and DG of NASDRA. Thus, all these have fully equipped him to have a holistic view and vision on how to transform Ondo from that of a purely civil service state,dependent on the hand out allocations from the Federation Account to becoming an industrial hub.

First, is the natural advantage of it being a coastal state; with the longest coastline amongst the West African countries.It has the second largest deposit of bitumen, next to Canada in the entire world and fifth largest deposit of crude oil as far as the Nigerian nation state is concerned.Other minerals found, all in commercial quantity include coal, kaolin, columbine, clay, tin, talc, quart sand, granite and limestone.

With him, investors would be interested to build state-of-the-art oil refineries. They will also assist to resuscitate ceramics factory in Okeluse and build a deep sea port at Okitipupa. This would serve as an alternative to the Lagos ports and a choice destination for importers and exporters, rather than Cotonou. With rubber, cashew and cola nut in abundance agriculture-related industries could spring up.With him in the saddle, the state could establish cocoa-based factories as the largest producer in the country. Thousands of indigenes will be employed. Lasting wealth would be created.The Internally Generated Revenue,IGR will jerk up, to put a permanent smile on the forlorn faces of the long-suffering workers currently owed months of salaries.

With the growing clamour for the diversification of the economic base from the mono-product of oil, it should be obvious that Ondo state needs an erudite, globally recognized scientist in the mold of Boroffice to turn its fortunes around. He is a man whose time has truly come. But will the good people of the Sunshine State heed the clarion call? The answer lies in the voters’ hands. They should remember that man’s destiny is guided by the choices he makes.