Ajaokuta State Constituency: Between Performance, Loyalty and Evolving Expectations

By Suleiman Omuya AbdulRahman

There are times when your best is deemed short of expectations. Some other times, while a group showers encomium for the same effort from overwhelming positive impressions, some other group would have a different idea. Priorities differ no doubt. Obviously this seems the case for the representation we’ve enjoyed at the Ajaokuta State Constituency this current dispensation that is winding down.

Scurrying through the social media, married to expressed feelings offline, allowing for occasional gaffes, there seems an overall positive approval rating for what we’ve enjoyed by way of representations in the last three years. That’s if your focus is on the average citizen. Apparently our political stakeholders have a different perspective. The key question however is if this is about public expectations and priorities, or conflict of interest and egoistic tendencies.

For our representative like every other pragmatic leader, the expectation is to move to a higher pedestal after a successful stint at a particular level of service. Yes, he got it on a plater, thankfully, he made a success of it. He made his late father and majority of the constituents proud. But for the constricted environmental opportunities and the expressed desire, it wouldn’t be considered a failure not holding unto just one of the resulting components of the huge constituency he’s represented creditably well so far. But while some prioritise service to the community, others would rather the focus is on appreciative loyalty.

The quest for loyalty may not just be legitimate but also an ingredient for seemless service delivery. Care is however required to avoid needless conflicts that have impeded our collective growth through the last decade. This opportunity may not last forever. Seasons change as we all know. But as a reminder, there’s always something for everyone in the team, something to learn, unlearn, correct, or improve on for common good. Fair, equitable and quality representation is the goal.

The evolving line up as we have in public domain may end up another faith accompli as the quality of opposition has declined over the years. To the evolving leadership team, other stakeholders and the new benefitiaries I pray for increased understanding of the true concept of the unity of purpose where divergent opinions becomes catalyst for growth.

– Suleiman Omuya AbdulRahman writes from Saudi Arabia