Babatunde Raji
Fashola was a governor of example, his salutary performance in office was a
class act. He was the poster boy of the progressives; they flaunted his
achievements as a precursor to the kind of leadership they would provide if
they win power at the center. His signature projects like the BRT was the first
of its kind in our clime, the transformation of Oshodi was a miracle.
His comportment and
clear headedness in a country where the ruling elite move with imperial swagger
stood him out as a model of the ideal leader. We watched the workaholic Fashola
as he greyed daily, the rigors of office taking a toll on him. The world
noticed the star that shone brightly in a continent where good leaders have
become endangered species and they purred themselves over him. From New York
Times, to Financial Times, the West showered encomiums on him urging Nigerians
to promote the governor to a higher office...
Barely 2 months after
leaving office, Raji is in the eye of the storm. At a time when so much noise
is being made about ‘yam eaters’, it turns out that man whom the we all
worshipped, may have joined in the yam eating spree. 78million Naira for a
website, 69million Naira for sinking one borehole, plots of land allocated to
family and cronies, the dirty revelations continue to befuddle even the most
valiant of Raji’s supporter.
The accusations
against Raji cannot be waved off for they are capable of smearing an otherwise
sterling 8 years outing as governor. While it is clear that the travails of
Raji is not unconnected to his powerful benefactor who wants to cut his wings
and ensure his political relevance ended with his last assignment, the
allegations are weighty and deserves closer scrutiny.
I pity Raji. He has a
good soul and undoubtedly raised the bar of leadership. Unfortunately, politics
is not a clean game; you can’t dine with pigs and expect to come out smelling
like rose. I wish him the best as he fights to keep the good name his
performance rightly earned him.
-Offor Honest
0 comments:
Post a Comment