By Jaspher Kolawole

The situation in the North-central State of Kwara is getting rather interesting. Even though 2015 is still some sight away, political gladiators in the State have become active with consultations and realignments occurring non-stop.

The obvious stake is that Kwara politics will never be same again with the demise of the strongman of Kwara politics, Dr Olusola Saraki. The second republic Senate Leader had installed all but the incumbent Governor of the State, the honour of which belongs to his son who had simply inherited the patriarch's political structure and utilized it to the maximum to establish himself as the leader of the ruling party in the State. Recap that in 2011, father and son had confronted each other on different party platform. It was not long before many observers were of the opinion that the cracks on the wall would be difficult to mend. Others also opined that the son was not adequately grounded to lead the political family giving as mundane reasons as his youthfulness and even character (have heard comments about arrogance!).

Yet some thought that the post-2011 electoral success was poorly handled by Bukola Saraki and could probably be his albatross. Notable Kwarans who sought the Governorship of the State were hoodwinked into accepting his choice of successor. The likes of Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, Hon. Bio Ibrahim, Prof Oba Abdulraheem and others whose electoral values in their respective domains earned the PDP victory licked their wounds in displeasure as their support bases did not count when key appointments were made into the incoming government. Worst still, the new Governor had little input if at all any in the choice of cabinet members. At the end of the day, Bukola Saraki had appointed over 90% of political office holders, still collects money from the treasury to dole out to party faithful (this is said to be in his capacity as the Party Leader, a stark contrast to the norm since the State Chief Executive is naturally the leader of the Party) and even insinuated to greatly influence awards of contracts and policy directives. Bottomline -  Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed is a puppet.

Some other opinions are quick to point out that Bukola Saraki's penchant for recycling his retinue of aides largely considered to be half-baked literates and pseudo-intellectuals into elective and appointive positions will be his greatest undoing. Presently members of the Federal and State Legislature as well as over half of cabinet members are all one time this or that during his own tenure of office. The challenges faced by the PDP in the last election was a result of the loss of confidence the people had in these retinue of aides who were seen to be ineffective in contributing to their various community's welfare.

Senator Bukola Saraki is also argued not to be in sync with President Jonathan and the powers that be in Abuja. Allegations of fraud by the EFCC and SFU were believed to be instigated by the fact that there is no love lost between the two. Many posited that slots available to the State at the Federal level for appointments into Boards and Governing Councils of Parastatals and Agencies are filled without recourse to him.

Perhaps the most celebrated of the appointments is that of the return of Prof. Oba Abdulraheem as Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission. Earlier in the year, Pres. Jonathan was said to have approved the reappointment of the revered Prof., but Bukola Saraki wary of the growing influence of the gentleman had asked Gov. Fatah Ahmed to seek for his replacement to the extent of blackmailing the man. The rest is now history. Events since then have however shown that the dynasty is at the verge of collapsing. None of the Bukola groups were at the prayer session hosted by the Emir of Ilorin in honour of the Prof. Oba's reappointment. Supporters of the amiable Prof. as well as well meaning Kwarans have continued to pour vituperations on the actions of Bukola Saraki claiming the selfless Prof. may as well step into a bigger role of offering Kwarans the righteous political leadership they deserve.

Is this the beginning of the end?