Grandiose Parlor

Of the several politicians raising dust on the various campaign trails in Nigeria, the Labor Party candidate in Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (above), is perhaps one that has generated the most attention and controversy nationwide, particularly after President’s Obasanjo’s famous EFCC-threat.

Here’s a recap: Mr president accused Mimiko of corruption during a PDP rally in Ondo State and mentioned the EFCC would soon go after him. The resounding public outcry to the president statement forced the EFCC to publicly declare that Mimiko is not on their list of corrupt politicians. As fate would have it, what was designed to kill the political ambition of Mimiko, backfired and has been working to his advantage!

The quote below is credited to Dr Mimiko by the Daily Independent:

“I’ve come to this conclusion after several years in public service, and at different levels, that what is most important to deliver good governance is not even the educational qualification of our leaders; yes, there must be a minimum qualification, for you to learn what governance is all about; it is not even experience in government or in business, and I dare say, it is not even your socio-economic circumstances before you came to government, we’ve seen all the billionaires mess up horribly in government in Nigeria, and, of course, we’ve seen hungry people eat to their heart desire, it is not even experience, but the most important factor is character and social commitment.”

I cannot but agree with the truth and depth of the statement: Who amongst the politicians in Nigeria can be said to be a man of character? or passionately committed to social development? Very few.

The upcoming elections will be unique in the Nigerian political history because contenders like Mimiko - candidates that have shot into prominence not because of their political affiliations, but because of their clouts and weights in grassroots politics - stand to alter the political course and orientation of the nation for good.

However, given the circumstances surrounding Dr Mimiko’s candidacy and the unprecedented mass appeal he’s enjoying from the grassroots and electorate in the Ondo State, it appears the life of this fine gentle man is in now in danger. Are there some high-level satanic orchestrations at play with the intent to assassinate Mimiko?

Who would the elimination of Mimiko benefit the most? Your guess is as good as mine!