SALIU MUSTAPHA: THE BEACON OF POLITICAL AND PHILANTROPHIC ACTIVISM. By: Olufadi Balarabe Ayuba

 

According to Abraham Maslow, the pinnacle of a person’s life, in terms of achievements and impacts on the society, is self actualization. On a close observation of the political and social life of Saliu Mustapha, it is difficult not to admit that he has reached this stage of self actualization. This, undoubtedly, makes him the best candidate for the post of APC National Chairman.

As a matter of necessity, it is imperative to give a brief account of his background, his political life and achievements.Thus, Saliu Mustapha was born on September 25, 1972, into the reputable family of Issa and Maryam Mustapha in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State. Prima facie, he is a reputable politician with over two decades of experience in party administration and developmental politics. He is also a philanthropist and an accomplished international businessman with interest in real estate and construction. As a manifestation of his selflessness and desire to serve humanity, Saliu Mustapha, through his foundation has engaged in a wide range of charitable projects in his hometown and beyond, advancing humanitarian causes. On the average, he spends over N100,000,000 from his private, hard-earned funds annually to execute various plans and projects of the Foundation, including an annual financial empowerment programme, annual scholarship and educational support services among other philanthropic activities and interventions in Kwara State, particularly in the areas of educational, health and human capital development programmes.

Also, as an attestation to his desterity in politics, Saliu Mustapha was a major member of the Buhari Presidential Campaigns in 2003 when the latter ran under the platform of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). In 2007, instead of sitting in far away Abuja, he decided to go into the political trenches to hold forth for the ANPP in his home state, Kwara State, where he contested as a member of the Federal House of Representatives for Ilorin East and South Federal Constituency. Specifically, between 2001 – 2002, Saliu was the National Publicity Secretary of the Progressive Liberation Party (PLP) under the leadership of Dr. Ezekiel Ezeogwu. A little further in 2003, Saliu and other like-minded individuals came together to register and form the Progressive Action Congress (PAC), where he was chosen again as a National Publicity Secretary, an impressive feat for his age and clout as at that time. At about the time President Muhammadu Buhari conceived the idea of coming back into public service as a civilian President, Saliu Mustapha keyed into the vision. Thus, he became a pivotal member of The Buhari Organisation (TBO) and the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) respectively for several years.

Furthermore, In 2011, Saliu became a member of the Buhari’s newly formed Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) first, as an Ex-Officio, and subsequently as its National Deputy Chairman under the leadership of Prince Tony Momoh (of blessed memory). Since then till now, he has remained true to the progressive ideology as a stakeholder of the APC both at his home state and at the national level. He has contributed in no small measure to the sustenance of the party.

As a matter of fact, it is nearly impossible to recount all Saliu Mustapha’s enviable virtues and contributions to the political and social life of his community and the society at large. However, the little that that been said above suffices to qualify him as a the fittest person for the post of APC chairmanship. It may be argued that Saliu Mustapha’s achievements and contributions to the society are not uncommon as there are other politicians who have achieved the same or greater things. This is true. The good news, however, is that Saliu Mustapha has a remarkable ability to work behind the scenes. In addition to that is his ability to identify with the grassroots because of his closeness to the common people, a characteristic that very few politicians possess. As a recognition of this unique ability, he has been conferred with the title of the Turaki of Ilorin.

Talk of the epitome of moral uprightness, Saliu Mustapha is the perfect example. He is a man of unquestionable integrity who has served in various capacities with nimbleness, swiftness and the experience of an all-rounder. Besides, his many years of service, both to the people and to his political is an attestation to his dexterity and tenacity. It is a very popular saying that many are called, but few are chosen. Considering his talents, hardwork, achievements, objectives and impacts in the society, it is undoubted that Saliu Mustapha is not only called, chosen but also unique.

In a swift travel back in time to the early part of his political career, fast forward down to his years of struggles and fights in the political arena and finally now, Saliu Mustapha has been touted far and near as an undisputed tested-and-trusted man of the people who also believes in loyalty more than anything. This assertion is not an unnecessary addendum nor a cosmetic surplusage. There are, of course, facts which are evidence of Saliu Mustapha’s exemplary works.

Naturally, every man has a set of negative sides. Even the sky is not always blue. However, what distinguishes Saliu Mustapha is that his near-perfect nature outshines, outweighs and dwarfs the any imperfections in his nature. Thus, it will be apt to say that even Saliu Mustapha, like everybody is not perfect, he came almost perfect.

Put him in any post, and you have a perfectionists who will serve with unshakeable workaholism and dexterity. Most intelligent people always try to put in their best in all circumstances. Saliu Mustapha, of course, is not an exception. In him you will find all the qualities of a good spirited leader who is fiercely passionate about his duties and obligations. It does not matter how seemingly unimportant a duty is, Saliu Mustapha has proved overtime to give his hundred percent performance in all situations. A good leader with the interests of others in mind. A hardworking politician who is also his brother’s keeper. A resilient businessman who is sound, intelligent and extremely shrewd. What more can one desire in him?

In conclusion, in light of Saliu Mustapha’s dexterity and commitment to the ideals of his political party, coupled with his love for philanthropist activities and the people at the grassroots, there is no gainsaying in the fact that none other than Saliu Mustapha befits the Chairmanship of APC.

Thus, if the person who has merit is not chosen, then, who else deserves to be chosen?