By Oluwasegun Aina
Imagine Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola as Governor of Osun State, this permutation must have been the priority choice of the Predecessor and Successor alignment between the duo if not fallout prior to the last governorship election in Osun State and 2023 general election. Change is constant anyway. Their Relationships for Relevance is still achievable anyway.
I recently watched a video of Senator Kashim Shettima; current Nigeria Vice President and former Governor of Borno State calling the incumbent Governor Babagana Zulum his Boss after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari following his nomination by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu leading to his emergence as Nigeria Vice President. What comes to my mind after I digesting Shettima’s statement is Uniquenes Path Walk of Predecessor/Successor in Contemporary Politics. Looking inward to their Uprightness of friendship, Zulum canvased residents support for Shettima’s nomination as VP the moment Tinubu clinched APC ticket paving way for him as the Vice Presidential Candidate.
Ever since Zulum took over the mantle of leadership of Borno State there is nothing like rift or battle of supremacy among the duo. Senator Shettima never requested any position for his or her follower or followers.
Contrary to what happened in the State of Osun leading to loss of Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the last gubernatorial election. Is it not a reversal of respect when a former Governor and Minister of Interior is at logger heads with his eight years Chief of Staff successor? The signposts of their rifts are neglect of Aregbesola’s legacies, disbandment of TOP members from Governor Oyetola’s cabinet and administration and so on.
Very worrisome and ridiculous for both side not to align and realign for the best interest. A path of eight years got cut despite several reconciliation meetings in Ila Orogun, country home of Chief Bisi Akande, Pioneer Chairman of Action Congress AC. Either way round their rifts linger on to the extent Aregbesola failed to show up on election day to vote at his Ilesa home.
Predecessor/Successor path should be for longevity of igniting path to detriment.
Shettima and Zulum will be a lesson to Aregbesola and his protege Oyetola definitely. The last time for them to unite.