The Abdulrazaq Phenomenon.
By Babatunde Opoola.
The many battles he fought and still fighting, coupled with the rivers of controversy he swarm to get to this level of inspiring political life are sufficient to derail even the lion hearted. But what has kept Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the incumbent governor of Kwara State, going as a politician and as a leader is his adherence to the principles of truth and unwavering faith in God.
Citizens of this state and all who have had encounters with him describe him as a man whose word is his bond. Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro, the State Publicity Secretary of APC, attests to that. Hear him: Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is a man of his word.”
Aro speaks for those who say the governor is not like other political leaders who would build castles for the people only in the air, build bridges for them across roads where there are no rivers or gullies and make sundry empty promises. Even though he has all instruments of power at his disposal as the number one citizen of the state, the amiable governor appreciates and treats people, including those that work with him, with utmost respect and dignity, an attribute that has endeared him to people.
A case in point was when a member of the APC New Media group was blessed with a baby. Even though AbdulKareem Olatunji Yusuf, the father of the baby, is a staunch supporter of Abdulrazaq, he cannot forget in a hurry how he felt when Abdulrazaq, the state governor, called him on phone to felicitate with him on the blessing of a new born. This is a governor whose functional phone numbers is on several WhatsApp groups. And irrespective of views to the contrary, the average Kwarans would believe Abdulrazaq is ahead of most politicians in Kwara State in matters of human relations with the commoners. The reality in his case is that he appears to know the particular chord to touch in his dealings with the public. It does not matter if the public is that of Isalekoto in Ilorin or Asalofa in Offa, or that of another state. Abdulrazaq is at home to virtually all, irrespective of status. That is his uncommon bond with the ordinary person.
Identification with what the ordinary people want has been a major key in getting the grassroots to develop fondness for him. In words and deeds, such a politician demonstrate that no matter the cost, what is dear to the people remains his first priority.
And for all that it is worth, it was the stuff that has endeared him to people and such, the Kwara governor will not rent a crowd. He is not in the league of those that would manufacture supporters to cheer a cherished leader.
Kwarans from all walks of life say Abdulrazaq is the best thing that has ever happened to the state which had for years remained in hopeless squalor and destitution. Its capital city and commercial hub, Ilorin was a glorified local government headquarters and big slum. The other towns and villages never felt development either. The people suffered in fearful silence. This was the state Abdulrazaq inherited.
The entire state is now wearing a brand new look by virtue of his urban renewal projects ,many of which have been completed and many under various stages of completion, which has not only lifted the ambiance of the state capital but facilitating development in other local government areas
Having just spent one year in office, a renowned Muslim cleric and public commentator, Sheik Buhari Musa says under the leadership of Abdulrazaq, the state capital has attained the level of development never witnessed before in the history of the state.
Before mounting the saddle of leadership as the governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazaq had acquired vast experience in the management of men and resources and that explains why he was able to record monumental achievements inspite of the lean resources accruing to the State. There is no part of the state that is not feeling the impact of his strategic projects.
It is not surprising that the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Highness, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye11, bestowed on him the title” Soludero of Offa,” which is a Yoruba word which simply means, ” one who made the town or community easy to live in. ” It is not only his title, his name also reflects his character. His first name, Abdulrahman, is an Arabic name, meaning, ” Servant of the most Gracious.” Indeed, despite attempts to muzzle his political life, God’s grace has sustained him, as it implies, he has soared graciously and has become a phenomenon.
The Pendulum 