ASUE, OLU AND A SHAIBU: TALES FROM THE CITY

The Edo State gubernatorial primaries have come and gone. As expected, a lot of colour, drama, music and shenanigans characterised the exercise. I have deliberately not involved myself in activities of other parties which is shameful for a national commentator like myself. I should be neutral and “fatherly” abi? But when it comes to Olu and Asue, I have been compromised. I have eaten their afang and I cannot lie, I am partial. Asue calls himself AI - a brilliant one especially with the youths of Edo State who are digitally aligned. His resonating logo enmeshed on a brilliant red background is simply captivating and engaging. His statesman demeanour — like person wey go soon slap person if you annoy am — is very attractive to the elders and the power brokers in the state. So, he is a bridge between the youths and the elders. It is therefore no wonder that he easily clinched the PDP ticket with such a huge margin. Olu on the other hand is looking like the “boy is good” candidate. His moniker, “who is your guy,” is a killer. The soundbite, background music and all makes him very compelling and engaging. The footage of his dance steps complete with towel wiping his sweat and reminiscent of the Osun State Governor is catching fire with the youths o. Olu is a people’s person, a gyrator and a showman. The man can crack jokes, laugh and be laughed at and simply just knows how to have fun even while still throwing up intelligent moves. Did you guys see the footage of him dancing at one party in Lagos? The video was released after he won the nominations of the Labour Party. As the music starts, Olu jumps into the middle, waving his hands and wriggling his waist and singing with such seriousness that you would think it’s a Grammy performance. Lovely. Now the dark side. One khaki-wearing Shaibu now wants to come and pour “sand sand” in this very beautiful song. The man is not agreeing o. The fact that he had about one vote in the primaries does not seem to faze him. He has carried his brown khaki to Abuja to attempt a claim on the certificate as reported. You see, what I don’t like are people who fail to see the tide of things. Please Mr. Shaibu, as you see Asue and Olu wetin you think? Edo is striving to be accepted into the digital age, striving to be connected to new ethos of governance - strong and transparent leadership, innovative engagements and technologically driven ethos. Can you open a laptop? Please, leave this “I no go gree” politics and leave the matter. Kindly just pass by. Thanks.