MUSTAPHA AUDU: A UNIFYING FACTOR IN KOGI
The emergence of Prince Mutsapha Audu, son of the legendary politician, Prince Abubakar Audu on the political scene in Kogi State has again drawn attention to the place of hereditary succession in politics. The death of Prince Audu in November 2015 and the series of events that followed the incident had indeed fractionised the party hierarchy in Kogi State. Animosity and mistrust engulfed the fundamentals of the party in the state and only recently can one begin to say a semblance of sanity and unity has returned. The aspiration of Prince Mustatpha Audu to become the Executive Chairman of Ofu LGA of Kogi State, his local government area of origin has, indeed, sparked off intense emotions. Among many implications, Mustapha’s candidature could serve to douse tensed emotions, broker peace and foster unity both within the communities and the party. The late Prince, undoubtedly, has an overwhelming political reach in the state and the conspicuous absence of his allies in the government of the day has led some people to the conclusion that the party gave the “Audus” a raw deal. Nevertheless, and recalling that Governor Yahaya Bello’s gestures and course so far indicate a clear intention to reasonably honour Prince Audu and unite the party purposively, it is persuading to think that Prince Mustapha’s candidature may yet prove a handy olive branch for GYB.
The late Prince Audu bequeathed legacies many of which need to be sustained. For the people of Kogi State as a political bloc, the death of the political leader created a vacuum which needs to be filled. As a transformational leader, there are lessons and challenges in his accomplishments for GYB as one of his successors. Indeed, it is not offhand to conclude that the Prince Audu days is a source of inspiration to many individuals, including his son, Mustapha. It must be pointed out that hereditary succession occupies half of recorded human history but political inheritance is no easy venture because everyone who goes into politics must be prepared to prove his mettle. However, Mustapha, it can be inferred from his careful and calculated approach to his aspiration, is a man who looks set to break new grounds and create his own political niche but not without the decisiveness and clarity of vision inherited from his father.
The will and determination with which he is pursuing the ambition is proof that Prince Audu’s dynasty is, indeed, standing at the dawn of a new era. Certainly, Mustafa Audu reputed for his practicality and unassuming nature leaves no one in doubt as to what fueled his aspiration.
When asked about his aspiration and his father’s influence, he simply described the late politician “as a great inspiration whose words and actions stirs one to striving for excellence but for me success comes through self-belief, hard work, goodwill and the right time”. Committed and ambitious, Mustafa who through obvious strength of spirit shielded himself from the fallout and unpleasantness to which the sudden misfortune of his father’s death exposed the Audu’s political dynasty, has been unequivocal in his views that people deserve better and the reason why anyone should venture into politics at all is to be able to lead change through government. He never distressed himself with imaging but remained placid amid the noise and haste occasioned by that incident.
Recent political developments stand Kogi out as no ordinary state. Governor Yahaya Bello fondly called the “white lion”, has in so short a time carved a niche for himself. GYB is such an eccentric but two things go for him - his belief that the youth be given the chance to play prominent roles in politics and public administration, himself no less a dynamic youth; and the firmness of his convictions. Nonetheless, Mustafa Audu’s aspiration holds serious implications for GYB. It is his litmus test of a sincere concern for cohesion and sustainability in the party.
From whatever point of view one wants to look at it, Mustafa Audu’s candidature could really fast-track the dousing of the animosity and resentment that bedecks the APC hierarchy in the state. For GYB, I am certain this is the closest he has ever come to standing somewhere in between truth, reconciliation and being human. Well, at some point in our lives, we are permitted to reconcile propensities with principles.