FOR MOST OF US, the idea that a politician can choose simplicity over flamboyance, frugality instead of frivolity, substance over noise, and performance over propaganda is a radical thought.
We tend to think, or at least fear, that politicians are egotistical and extremely selfish, something that alienates them from the very people they proclaim to love and are empowered to lead.
We based our premise on the simple but contentious assumption that all politicians, regardless of class or creed, are the same. Of course, in many ways, that assumption fits neatly into the reality a lot of people have endured – especially in a country where disappointment in power, politics, and politicians has congealed with despair in unmistakable abundance.
Time and again, many Nigerians have witnessed the downward spiral of experienced and purposeful public leadership – whether in the north or the southern part of the country – with stunned helplessness. The scarcity of leaders who say what they truly mean and ultimately mean what they say has been at the heart of our country’s leadership challenge. No doubt, millions of people have grown weary, many even teary, at numerous promises unfulfilled, sweet words unkept, and several politicians, well, behaving, ehm, like politicians!
So, it is not out of place for people to grow exponentially cynical and excessively critical about both politics, policy, politicians, and everything in between. It is an experience they’ve lived and a reality that they’ve contended with. Fortunately, that assumption, rooted in many stark realities, is a counterpoise to the reality of those who have consistently returned the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Dr. Buhari Abdulfatai, PhD, to the Red Chamber – not once, twice, but three extraordinary times!
For three consecutive and hotly contested elections starting from the historic and watershed 2015 polls through the monumental time of 2019 and breathtaking period of 2023, the good people of Oyo North, a district bigger in size, landmass, and population than the entire Bayelsa State, have consistently stuck to their guns of sending and resending the Distinguished Senator to the Nigerian Senate. In part because of his people-centered politics, transparent distribution of their commonwealth, and unwavering commitment to lifting communities with projects and programs, irrespective of their political affiliation and religious inclination.
In effect, that genuineness, authenticity, and originality earned him not just the attention of the people but the affection and admiration across the political divides. It is one of the big and beautiful reasons they have continuously renewed their mandate with a view to restoring their hope.
One thing is sure: Senator Buhari has not only raised the bar for excellent leadership and effective representation in Oyo North in particular, but has also completely redefined the essence of politics in the state. And against all odds, the Senator has persistently pummeled his opponents with merciless abandon. Perhaps it is not surprising that many of his adversaries are worried and mortified at the resilience of the man they’ve pushed a lot, but who has remained eternally calm in the face of mind-blowing storms.
In a political arena defined by mudslinging, calumny, and vilification, Senator Buhari’s preference for a common-sense politics, one that is rooted in shared humanity and the ‘Omoluabi’ ethos, has earned him more than just a seat in power. His bold vision of a district that is touched and impacted by transformational leadership has endeared him to many. Think about this man for a few moments. In just a decade of representation, he has delivered on his core mandate of representation, lawmaking and oversight with breathtaking records under his belt. Additionally, he has facilitated remarkable projects, reconnected with his constituency in an entirely different way, and has consistently and gallantly become the cynosure of all eyes without exception. For a district that is a potpourri of diversity, Sentor Buhari’s politics of inclusivitiy stands out as a model.
This columnist is, in fact, particular about the Senator’s track record of performance, starting with his Midas touch in the Information Communication and Technology (ICT). Take 2015 elections when he was elected to the Senate for the first time. As a former House of Representatives, Senator, Fatai Buhari’s credentials gave him an edge, and by that, he was made the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime – a rare feat for a first timer in the Red Chamber. That was in the 8th Assembly. The result of that oversight leadership was the flooding of schools across the district with fully equipped, solar-powered powered and sustainable ICT centers. In a record number, the Senator, alongside relevant agencies under his jurisdiction, facilitated several ICT centers not only to his district but the rest of the country. Reflect on what it means for many rural public schools where 90% of students haven’t touched a computer before to have access to without breaking a sweat! Just think.
That era witnessed an ICT center BOOM not only in Oyo North but the entire country at large. As a result of JAMB’s transition from Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) to the computer-Based Test (CBT), the facilitation of ICT centers across strategic places made perfect sense — students can practice and learn the basics while in school. Think of the WAEC planned transition to the CBT and the foresight that guided and guarded the vision of Senator Fatai Buhari in ensuring our public schools are fully equipped to compete with their peers anywhere!
Matter-of-fact, when it comes to getting things done in a chaotic political environment, Senator stands out as the go-to public servant with a track record of excellence. Performance and not propaganda have made him the darling of the people. Because ultimately, propaganda, anywhere in the world, has a limited lifespan. Unlike performance, which is eternal. In the space of serving as the chairman Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Fatai Buhari facilitated an unprecedented fifty-six (56) verifiable ICT centers across the leaps and bounds of the thirteen local government in Oyo North Senatorial District.
He did this with the quiet wisdom of a sage, and an excellent attribute of a philosopher king. So, when he publicly said in a statement many weeks ago that electorates in Oyo State should judge him as a potential gubernatorial candidate “based on the record of his performance as a veteran public servant and not on the basis of his origin”, he was speaking from a place of performance and not propaganda, a place of presence and not performative act.
OYO101 is Muftau Gbadegesin’s opinion about issues affecting the Oyo state and is published every Saturday. He can be reached via @Upliftnuggets on X, muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com, and 09065176850.