Though the Governor-elect in Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has, on several occasions, promised to run an all-inclusive government, as he takes over running of the state in a few days time. According to him, he is not only ready to suppass achievements of the past governments, but to also take the state to an enviable stage amongst states in the country. In his post-election press briefing, Makinde said, "we need to take realistic decisions together in order to fullfil your desire for a better life and God helping me, I will not disappoint you." He is looking at critical sectors like Education, Health and job ccreation, in tacking the state's many problems because the challenges before the incoming administration are just too huge, the expectations are too enomous. While the electorates and the people of Oyo State generally are expecting him to deliver on his campaign promises, his political enemies, especially from the main opposition party, APC can't wait to see his government fail for them to mock him. So, he can't afford to fail in any way.
Aside all these challenges, however, another critical area the incoming Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde must be conscious of is his environment, he must be wary of syncophants, hangers-on and name-droppers. As meaningless as these set of people may seem to be to many people, they are capable of sabotaging efforts of any government and paint such government bad to the outside world. In fact, they are referred to, in most cases, as AGIP (Any Government In Power); they always position themselves where it would better their lots. They are not loyal to anybody.
Interestingly too, those who fall in these categories may not be poor people or hooligans as the case may be. They are mostly big boys around with make-believe lifestyles. Those whose lives are built on lies and deceit. They may not necessarily be politicians in fact, most of them are professionals in their various fields, but they live largely, directly or indirectly, on government's patronage. Hence, they must align theselves with any government in power.
How do they operate? Their operation is always well planned so much that whoever that is not within the circle or knowledgeable about how they operate may not decode their gimicks. They must hang around those in government or their principal or somebody who knows somebody in the government circle. What they do is work though their contact, by networking top celebrities in the society or big companies who need one favour or the other from government and assure them of linking them up for contracts or what have you. Or they drop Governor's name to curry favour, monetary or otherwise, from their unsuspecting victims. That is where they make their money through percentage or kickbacks or make more contacts.
Now that another government is coming in, the game is on already and these people are beginning to position themselves and strategizing to kick start their normal trade as usual. While some look at them as harmless business people who have links with the government, some people have lost good money in time past as a result of trusting them as 'middle men' who can speak in their favour in the corridors of power.
-Dare Adeniran
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