In Yoruba theory, an Amukun refers to a person with physical disability, particularly in their legs. Such individuals often struggle with balance and equilibrium, especially when carrying loads. Socially, an Amukun is considered imperfect or unsuitable for certain jobs or activities. Whether we like it or not, the Nigerian Senate is a big load to carry. It is an " Atari Ajanaku", the proverbial head of an Elephant, it is not meant for children.
To illustrate, asking an Amukun to lead a 100-meter dash or participate in a football competition would be setting him up for failure. Similarly, Senator Ipinsagba's election to the Senate was met with low expectations. Given the circumstances, it's unfair to blame him entirely for his perceived underperformance. From day one, when the election was concluded, it was clear where the weakest link was among the three senatorial districts. Even the blind or the deaf, would recognise that the Senators from the South and Central hold the ace. Anyone whose thoughts was different is either being politically correct or a mischief maker. Ondo North did not send it's best to the Senate in 2023 to compete or perform. We sent someone that needed pity as a serial contestant and for political balancing or to suit the political ego of the prevailing power in Alagbaka at that moment.
Before criticizing Ipinsagba, consider the following: How does his performance compare to his predecessors since 1999? What legislative achievements or legacies can be attributed to previous Senators from Ondo North? How did previous Senators get elected, and what was their engagement with the people like? Aside from one or two among them the rest failed serious intellectual scrutiny when viewed from many angles. Ondo North had been very unlucky to say the least.
Ipinsagba's candidacy was likely driven by emotion rather than factual considerations. The toxic political relationship with the State Governor at the time and the number of years Akoko South West held on to the Senate seat meant a new face was needed. The seat was due to rotate to another Akoko region, making Ipinsagba's Ikare origin a strategic choice.He was undoubtedly neither the best nor the most popular but he was the best favoured by political calculation. The best candidates at that period by my own reckoning was from Owo/Ose axis. For the sake of political fairness, equity and justice and the protection of Akoko solidarity against the acidic unslaught from the Owo axis at the period, I wrote copiously against Owo retaining the governorship and contesting for Senate. Further, I reasoned that if it made a lot of sense to me to agitate that Owonshiukd not partake in the Senate bread, then, Akoko South West must relinquish the seat having had it for 12 unbroken years. I never hid my preference for a power shift to the Ikare end since Hon Bunmi Tunji-Ojo was doing well in the House of Representatives. We thought we would have another Star in the Senate but we got something else.
It is my strong view and I hold no apology for it that while Ipinsagba may not be the most effective Senator, he is a product of our flawed system. Rather than blaming him, we should focus on improving our selection process. Let's acknowledge his efforts, such as sponsoring a University Bill and providing JAMB forms to Ondo North students, no matter how tokenistic it is. Better still we should consider his distribution of Federal government fertilizers to his constituents. Since this seemed to be the best he could offer, a man cannot grow beyond his capacities. It's just not possible. Let us carry our cross jejelly.
In reality, until we address our systemic issues, Ipinsagba will remain a reflection of our priorities and we may always end up with other Ipinsagba and his ilks in the future. Also, aside from been objects of democracy, a comparison of Jimoh Ibrahim and Niyi Adegbonmire, SAN with Distinguished Senator Ipinsagba does not make room for serious intellectual comparisons. Perhaps it's time to focus on developing a better way of choosing our representatives rather than criticizing those we elected.
In the meantime fand for deeper context, some key questions to consider are: who would replace Ipinsagba, and would they perform differently? What have previous representatives, (especially those who have tasted the apple before) achieved, and what are their track records, having seen them dance before even at lower level, what are they necessarily going to bring to the table, that is what is new on offer?
As far as I'm concerned, I do not see a better offer in the offing, let any of the so called aspirants convince me. This refers especially to those from Akoko. To me they are all same of the same, which Yoruba calls " iru kan Obe wo". So, if we cannot get someone who has shown an acute demonstrative competence in previous opportunities, it's better to either retain and live with the incompetence we already know and used to ( God forbid). We must also understand the banality to allow Ipinsagba to continue his tenure which ordinarily means a waste of our precious time. Alternatively, what I forsee and think it's better, is, let's look elsewhere and play advanced political game so that we can focus on creating positive change in our political landscape.
The time is now!
Sola Ajisafe, is from Ikanmu Oka Akoko. He lives in Akure.
Post a Comment