Hon Oshati Olatunji (Maxima), MHA, for continuity (VIDEO)
BY ADE AKINGBADE
It’s been a while, and I must say, it’s been intriguing to observe the political developments within the period of my special-features holiday.
Within the period of my hiatus, I’ve observed how politicians’ politrick, aspirations fizzle out under the weight of realities, and how new alignments and realignments are forged. It is equally funny how people still doubt the declaration of my boss, Honourable Olatunji Oshati (Maxima) for a second term of office.
You remember the January 26th article I authored? My phone kept buzzing with calls. While preponderance of the callers expressed support and even declared Maxima their consensus candidate (even before All Progressives Congress [APC] decided to adopt consensus as its mode of primary), a few others expressed disappointment in my boss.
Some even accused him of betraying them, just because he didn’t succumb to the unrealistic pressure placed on him to contest for the House of Representatives seat of our federal constituency.
In all of these, a lesson stands out for me, which is: No allegiance is cast in iron, and everyone has an agenda to pursue or achieve in politics.
Moreover, the recent happenings surrounding the revelations of this last-minute maneuvre by politicians increased my respect for my ‘oga’ for his wisdom to calmly handle things as they come.
Maxima, representing Ose as a first-time lawmaker, hasn’t been without challenges. Good enough, most of the challenges Maxima has never shied away from. But the truth of the matter is that the legislative arm of government is mostly beneficial in a representative government system like ours, when hands-on experiences are allowed to thrive. These experiences come with continuous representation.
Ose State Constituency, since 1999 and the return of our democracy, has not had the opportunity of having a senior principal officer. Maxima broke the jinx by rising from a floor member to House spokesperson and now Majority Leader, all within a three-year period.
I’m sure that if he is returned for a second term, thereby making him a ranking member, Ose might produce a presiding officer for the Ondo State of Assembly for the first time ever. Should this happen, this means more opportunities, more vintages, and our constituency will be better for it.
Ose must put her best feet forward. With Maxima, Ose stands a good chance to reposition herself.
Ose State Constituency must move to the status of ranking representative with a brighter rewarding future.
