Saliu Mustapha: The Face Of Political Dynamics And Strength In Kwara- By ADAPHAI

The postulation of the former Prime Minister of Philippines, Gloria Aroyo, implicitly gives credence to the requisite capacity and competence expected of a leader to give purposeful leadership at all times.

Aroyo posits:” The greatest litmus test of a good leader is the ability to be at the forefront leading, at the middle inspiring, and at the back defending the superior interests of his followers”.

This submission of the former Prime Minister of Philippines rightly describes the personality and posture of a political phenomenon in Kwara, the Turaki of Ilorin and the leading Senatorial candidate in the State, Mallam Saliu Mustapha.

That Saliu Mustapha has become an household name in the political climate of Kwara is an understatement, the mineral resources Engineer is now a juggernaut in every nook and cranny of Kwara, effectively domiciled in Kwara Central Senatorial District.

His prowess in political mobilization and constructive campaign of high intellectual engagement is inspirational as well as his rare humility and cognitive capacity to relate with every section of the society.

Many Analysts have adduced the impeccable personality and cultured trait of Saliu Mustapha to his pedigree, while some argue that the Senatorial candidate for Kwara central is blessed with natural endowment of native intelligence and uncommon humility.

Also, scores of politicians, as well as residents of Kwara central and beyond have expressed great astonishment on Mustapha’s propensity and capacity to give out generously to the common people and turn lives around in a jiffy, coupled with his enduring developmental drive across the Kwara central senatorial district.

He has been identified as not only a pillar of support for the incumbent Governor of the State, AbdulRhaman AbdulRasaq but a reliable ally and dependable lieutenant in the field of politics and responsive governance.

It is gratifying to know that the Turaki of Ilorin was a key actor in the revolution of emancipation that liberated the people of Kwara from the shackles of suffocating political jackboots of old.

His youthful and undented posture have been a fantastic leverage over every other candidate in the Kwara central senatorial district; as he dominates the consciousness of every electorate in the zone and beyond like a collosus.

His political career, dated back to the inception of this fourth republic in 1999, has witnessed a rapid advancement with the speed of light, rising from the position of the first Publicity Secretary of the Progressive Action Congress(PAC) to become a member of the ANPP who worked assiduously and with great passion for the presidential ambition of Muhammadu Buhari in 2003.

In 2009, when some members of ANPP, led by Buhari formed the Congress for Progressive Change(CPC), Mustapha became the National Deputy Chairman of the Party, the position he effectively and efficiently held till the merger of CPC and other political parties that formed All Progressive Congress(APC) in the build up to the 2015 general elections.

Without mincing words, the senatorial election slated for 25th February, 2023 is indeed a walk over for Saliu Mustapha in Kwara central, and a great political rebirth of sorts in the entire Kwara State.

In the words of the 35th American President, J.F. Kennedy, “Those who refuse to participate in the politics of their environment end up being governed by their inferiors”.

The above warning of Kennedy has been strictly heeded by Saliu Mustapha, as he took it upon himself to guide against the menace of allowing charlatans to lead the people of his political environment to Armageddon, in line with the old tradition of ineptitude leadership.

Congratulations to the people of Kwara central senatorial district, congratulations to the entire State of Harmony, as we welcome a leading light and phenomenal leader of robust influence and capacity, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, into the Red chamber of National Assembly come June, 2023, to provide quality representation to his senatorial district and Nigeria at large.

Olabode Ajibola, Executive Director, Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative ( ADAPHAI)