Of Lions, Antelopes And Whatnot

“Eras come to an end”.

Words uttered by the current Manchester United Manager, Eric Ten Hag on his assumption of office last year when the media attempted to question his approach toward dislodging the perennial winners, Manchester City, and their noisy enemies from time immemorial, Liverpool. That statement went viral immediately, and is often referred to whenever United display flashes of brilliance to signify the end of the duopoly that has seen City and Liverpool rule England, and even Europe, in the past ten years.

My question is, if eras end, surely another begins, No?

Yes, they do.

Let me take you on a swift journey through to the political era of Yahaya Adoza Bello. Nigerians home and abroad know that he has the proverbial nine lives in politics. When he came second in his party’s gubernatorial primary election in 2015, many laughed at the “rookie” and his attempt to dislodge the seasoned, two-time Governor of Kogi State, the late Abubakar Audu of blessed memory. Some, with the benefit of insight, marveled at how a relatively unknown Bello had risen from political obscurity to come second in a line-up of the who is who in Kogi politics.

Under well-known, divine circumstances, he became the Governor and the rest, unending grace. Not only has he been able to carve a niche for himself in an already dense political milieu, Bello has proven to his doubters that he is sleek like an eel, proposing novel ideas which are gradually gaining traction nationwide as the template for relevance in the ever-demanding crop of politically savvy youthful population that make up the voting numbers – the just concluded election being a case-in-point.

Nigeria is no longer as we know it. It is not only the loopholes (except existential logistical issues) in the voting process that has seen a marked improvement, the voters themselves have too.

Politics is now “in vogue”. No longer is it a business for the elderly whilst the young take a backseat. The introduction of youthful, 21st-century compliant leaders such as Bello and many others has seen a natural shift in the mindset of the youth, and they are determined to take their future into their own hands.

No longer will non-performance be tolerated, or the disregard for culture or anybody in government on account of their sex, age bracket, religion or class.

It is now in vogue but Bello made it a norm seven years ago.

This is why Kogi was never in doubt for a Tinubu victory. When you tick all the right boxes in leadership, victory comes easy. Yahaya Bello ensured that there were no leftovers in governance, gathering momentum from day one. Three months into his final year as Governor, he is knocking on the gates of political hegemony.

Akin to the statement that introduced this piece, Bello made a grand statement a few months ago. In his own words, “as long as the Lion remains the King of the jungle, no antelope can lay claim to the throne”. Various interpretations followed very quickly as it is fond to do when Bello speaks, but I think he only spoke of himself in the tone of one who is confident. After all, if I swallow the entire textbook, who, except Nigerian lecturers and their flair for despair, will make me fear any examination?

Bello is passing this leadership test with flying colours.

Ultimately, Bello knows, as do the opposition who are waiting patiently for him to fall off his exalted pedestal; that the beginning of the end starts when he makes the wrong choice of a successor. Many names have been thrown into the mix and vituperations have exploded to the high heavens by camps who seek to project their aspirant over another, but they all forget the master at work: Yahaya Adoza Bello. Not only does he observe in silence, he speaks when the ovation is loudest, ensuring that his words reverberate across the state and even beyond.

They said he will never be Governor, he became. They said he would never win a second term, he won in grand style. They said he did not have any projects to commission, he shocked the entire country and even the President with the high level projects that have become commonplace with Kogi under his reign. They are now saying that his political journey will not surpass the beginning of next year.

When, I wonder, will these people learn?

This iconoclastic politician will continue to push the boundaries of relevance and premium service delivery to the populace, two results that cannot be attained with a successor who has not fully swallowed his method of operation hook, line and sinker. Bello’s journey in Nigerian political folklore is long and his re-emergence on the national stage as a key player and eventual quest for a second bite at the big apple will be epic, but it all rests on the pedestal upon which he will stand.

His reign as Lion and King of the jungle is not ending anytime soon, and he knows it far better than anyone else.

Anyone waiting for antelopes to rule in his stead will probably, wait forever.