2023: Behind the curtains of power in Borno

2023: Behind the curtains of power in Borno.

By: James Bwala

Dreamers are still living in their dreams about power play in Borno politics. Their vision was contained in the past, old and traditional politics of following old wineskin without a wine in it and yet still drunk.

They would argue and we’re left arguing even to themselves about the lines of happiness fanning in their dreams and drunken position with the old knowledge of how things are run in the state under the new wine and the new wineskin. They said power speak and it shall speak when the time comes. Of course, it speaks but the time is now and unless they woke up from their slumber the train may leave them on the couch dreaming about yesterday.

Indeed power speaks. An old friend of mine also wrote that powers act behind the curtains. “They are of BIG minds, calculative, demonstrable, strategic and costly dreadful. But better still kind and courteous and they make everything happened.” According to him, the ability of the Borno state governor to stage and conduct a peaceful meeting that gave birth to consensus in the Borno APC’s strategies of winning all come 2023 was not without the BIG mines in his description or definition of those he regarded to be the wielders of power.

I did respect and agree with his opinion over Borno state governor, Professor Babgana Umara Zulum in so many ways he tries to buttress his point over a chat about how Borno Congress had come to a consensus despite the army of regimented politicians in attendance.

“I know governor Zulum to be a man of standing character. But his big heart would have caused his steps to a wave without looking back at his great inspiration which is the power behind the curtain and mentor that really holds or watched his back within the political circles. ” He said “Of course, every power answered to the power behind. “

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His argument was pleasant and issue-based. The political triangle in Borno state has some more defining means. Political analysts are beginning to make suggestions in their permutation. But between governor Zulum and Kashim Shettima, I see a brotherhood in the undoubting space of the power play holding the political atmosphere both at the local and national level.

Ahead of the Borno consensus, I heard so many rumours making the rounds some suggesting a fallout like being experienced with the ruling APC in some states. But I was not too quick to buy into such calculations. I have learnt to look deep into the deeds of men especially the holders and welders of power in the cause of my day to day reportage as a newsman.

I told a colleague who was suggesting rancour that, it would only happen if the bond of relationship between Zulum and Kashim Shettima were to be in the fall of the past as we all know in Borno that almost sink the political ship if Kashim Shettima were to be uncalm in the face of storms. I took time to study happenings and the man like reading a book as well as study my conversation with him one on one, which I feel yet much to learnt but learnt enough to speak his mind at some occasion.

While Borno state is fast becoming a pacesetter, in shaping the political atmosphere not only in Borno state but also becoming a reference point for other states, I see, seek and study the underplay of the game and see the welder of it all. Zulum is a Professor but a good student of politics. He is a fast learner under a good teacher.

Often, I said Borno is so blessed. And recalling how we got here. Some said we are lucky in Borno, others say we have been lucky and I believed in the former. We have been lucky in Borno state. The choice of Zulum was without pain but Shettima as a mother who brought forth took the pains that stir happiness over Zulum and his performance in Borno state.

What makes the difference between Zulum and others is that he never sees this opportunity and took it for granted. He has established contacts that absolutely binds his loyalty and respect in the dream Shettima has for Borno state as he (Shettima) would always say, ” Borno shall be great again.”

The massive agreement, the conclusions and acceptance of the move to adopt consensus by the Borno deputy governor, Alhaji Usman Kadafur did not only display the power that welded in the decisions but also informed about a common responsibility that drives two pillars holding the curtain of power in the state.

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That local governments in the state are adopting consensus across wards and regimented politicians have a queue on the idea shows that the application of power in the management principles of planning, coordinating, directing and controlling is working for the state with the practicality it deserves towards shaping the party’s position and aligning gladiators to understand where the pendulum is swinging for those who may play in the next chapter.

For those whose chapter is closing, there is more they can do to salvage their political future ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state. Like it has always been said in the political arena, the game will be played according to the rules. However, ruling as the game will come to play, there is the confidence angle that every gladiator must seek to find. How they play their card determines if they are heading towards the ice bag or steering the ship to anchor bolts.

• 2023: Behind the curtains of power in Borno by:
• James Bwala writes from Maiduguri