By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo
I have just come across a video online of a book launch by Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN, in Abuja, where the Vice President, Kashim Shettima advertently and humorously challenged Senator Saliu Mustapha to Jack up his donation to 10 million naira. In fact, with the same sense of humour, the Vice President threatened that he would announce Senator Mustapha’s networth, if he dares to contradict him on that note, but he would rather, politely and firmly, request for that. He described the Turaki of Ilorin as a high networth individual. Thank you, Mr Vice President for affirming, authenticating and endorsing the generous and magnanimous wherewithal of our amiable Senator, representing Kwara Central in the 10th Senate
The Turaki of Ilorin is an all time philanthropist beyond the shores of Kwara state, that is why the number two citizen of the country gladly and politely made such request. The caliber of the Vice President can only make such request from a reliable ally, because he extolled Senate committee chairman on Agric production services and Rural Development as his good friend.
More importantly, with all alacrity and sincerity one can tag Saliu Mustapha’s political philosophy as one with the face of humanity. In other words, his political trademark is essentially humanity. There is power in giving, if you have but you don’t give those who need help then you will be far from being loved and liked by the people around you. Politics apart, one must cultivate the habit of giving because it promotes love among family, friends, neighbours and communities. It also helps in alleviating poverty in the society. A petty trader, for instance, doesn’t need plenty money to keep his or her business blossom and afloat. This is an area that worths attention of committed politicians. Don’t reach out to people only when you need their votes; they deserve better life too.
Interestingly, this same assertion also coincided with the philosophy of Raggae King, Bob Marley when he said “The greatest of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires but in his integrity and ability to affect those around him positively”. Naturally ,if one is stingy he or she has no business in politics; he or she should keenly look for another trade. Having a heart of giving is one of the greatest assets politicians can have to run through a crowd of interest and gain huge, and my political principal is already leveraging on that.
In conclusion, Senator Saliu Mustapha has been consistent in reaching out to many, that’s why he was being sincerely challenged at that occasion, through banters, by the Vice President Kashim Shettima.
