Strange things Nigerian politicians do to attract sympathy (photos)
– Nigerian politicians show they are in tune with developments in the country but the people also know their problems emanate from leadership
– As a result, these politicians constantly idealise concepts to win the loyalty and continued patronage of the citizens
– One of such concepts is to publicly show that they even though they are ‘big’ in the eyes of the people, they remain part of the system
Iyiola Omisore is not a comedian. In fact, he is a staunch politician whose knowledge about the field knows no bound. But in 2014, during campaigns for the governorship election in Osun state, western Nigeria, this candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suddenly got the people of his state and, indeed the nation, amused when photographs of him standing through the roof of a car and clutching two sticks of maize in both hands.
Corn-eating Iyiola Omisore
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In one of the photographs, he was steering at the two hands as if considering which one he should devour first. While many were still relishing this comic act, the former deputy governor was again seen patronising a commercial motorcyclist.
Omisore on an okada
Though this strategy may have assisted in shoring up his total votes in the election, he lost to Rauf Aregbesola, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who engaged this strategy long before the election. At least a photograph of the governor in a school uniform while addressing some pupils still causes laughter anytime it surfaces.
Aregbesola in school uniform
While the citizens are daily slapped by a sliding economy and other ills of the society including insecurity and high unemployment, the politicians continue to up their game.
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Fashola buying boli
In Lagos for example, Babatunde Fashola, was known as a no-nonsense governor. In his eighth-year double tenure in the state, he received both praises and condemnations, commended for helping to develop the state but discredited for being too elitist. Yet he often enticed the people though his oratory, smile and ability to place himself in the midst of the poor. On June 7, 2013, he almost broke the internet with photographs of him buying roasted plantain, referred to as boli.
Oshiomhole and Obaseki eating corn as strategy for attraction of voters
Last week, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state re-enacted the corn-eating strategy as he and the candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election, Godwin Obaseki, were caught chewing away the agricultural product on the streets of Benin while strolling with a retinue of aides. A factional candidate of the PDP, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu does not seem comfortable with Oshiomhole’s intense involvement in Obaseki’s campaign. He recently told the people of the state that the governor was acting like he is the one contesting. He also wondered if he would allow Obaseki rule effectively in the event that APC wins the election.
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Rochas Okorocha in uniform
Another very funny politician is Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state. Analysts say this governor, though passionate with whatever he finds himself doing, can do anything to win the heart of the people. This includes dressing in school uniforms like Aregbesola. Funny photographs of him acting a true grandfather still make good views anytime.
Fashola and Okorocha pulling their ears, a major campaign strategy
During the 2015 campaign for President Muhammadu Buhari, it was a funny Okorocha who held Fashola’s ears warning the southwest, through the former governor, that after Buhari, it is the turn of the Igbos to produce a president.
Orji Uzor Kalu with friends at a local restaurant
Orji Uzor Kalu is a former governor, a senator and a tough businessman known for opulence. Photographs of his palatial residence testify of this. But Kalu shocked many on Thursday, June 30 when he hosted a friend celebrating his birthday in a local buka. While some believe he is just being down to earth, others say it was for political reasons.
Obasanjo drinking garri
Like him or hate him, Olusegun Obasanjo is a man that is respected across Nigeria and in most parts of the world. But the Egba farmer and former president will never spare any opportunity to make people around him laugh. He also creates the impression that he fears nobody and would speak on almost every issue that concerns him. Videos and photographs of him in different comic actions dot the internet. These range from where he danced at an airport in Ghana to him drinking garri, a staple derived from cassava.
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Rotimi Amaechi fixing a woman’s hair
During the 2015 general election, then Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, though not contesting, was caught fixing a woman’s hair. This photograph trended for days as many Nigerians were shocked to find that in spite of his courageous battle against the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, he understands such strategies to attract love.
Fayose buying fish
Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state will never be forgotten in the history of politics in Nigeria. Some think he is rudderless, but Fayose remains the most loved governor in any particular state of the federation. This is irrespective of the fact that his state suffers severe economic hiccups.
Fayose in the market
Workers have not been paid their salaries for months, the governor is accused of being richer than the state and is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yet, the indigenes of the state would not want to hear anything that is against their governor. Photographs of him either in the market animal skin, popularly called ponmo, or buying fish or eating at a local food restaurant or buka.
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