LOOKING BEYOND THE SURFACE; THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF SSAs AND SAs IN ONDO STATE

The write-up brings up critical issues regarding the appointments of SSAs and SAs, governance, resource management, and political strategy, particularly in light of the upcoming November 16th gubernatorial election in Ondo State. However, there are several misconceptions and gaps in the argument that need to be addressed to provide a more comprehensive and better understanding of the situation by the political critics.

The appointment of over 300 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) may seem excessive, but it serves several strategic purposes in delivering dividends of democracy, especially in the context of the election. While the critique argues that this reflects poorly on the governor’s capacity or sincerity, it is important to recognise the political motivations behind such appointments. In the lead-up to a major election, these appointments can function as a tool for political mobilisation. Appointing SSAs and SAs across all 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) ensures that the governor’s influence is deeply rooted in the grassroots, where elections are often won or lost. These appointees will act as local representatives, helping to solidify the governor’s political presence, engage with voters, and spread the government’s message.

This strategy is not unique to Ondo State. In Nigeria and elsewhere, politicians often make such appointments ahead of elections. For example, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and the immediate past governor of Rivers state Ezenwo Nyesom Wike adopted a similar approach, appointing numerous aides to expand his political reach. Globally, political surrogates are used in places like the United States to maintain voter engagement and ensure loyalty within a party. While the appointments may seem costly, they provide a way to distribute political power and resources, ensuring that no community feels marginalised. In a state like Ondo, where local dynamics can significantly impact electoral outcomes, such appointments can be crucial for ensuring balanced representation and political goodwill.

The critique emphasises concerns about probity, accountability, and the cost of governance, arguing that these appointments contradict the calls for reducing government spending. While this is a valid concern, it overlooks the fact that elections are often periods of heightened political activity, where resource allocation is as much about political survival as it is about governance. In Nigerian politics, investing in human resources during election cycles is a necessity. These appointees are not just there to give advice; they are integral to the election machinery, helping to mobilize votes, engage local communities, and ensure that the party’s message is communicated effectively. Without these local operatives, a governor could struggle to secure widespread support.

Moreover, while the appointments might appear to bloat the cost of governance, they could be justified if the governor assigns clear and specific tasks to each appointee. In states like Lagos, SAs have played crucial roles in spearheading localised development projects, thereby contributing to the larger governance framework. If the SSAs and SAs in Ondo are given clear objectives, such as community outreach, infrastructure monitoring, or specific policy implementation, their presence could bring tangible benefits to the state.

The appointments also carry significant political advantages in the context of the November 16th election. First, the SSAs and SAs serve as the governor’s local representatives, ensuring that he has a direct line to each community. This strengthens his political network and helps in galvanising support at the grassroots level, which is crucial for any election victory. Additionally, by appointing party loyalists to these roles, the governor ensures that these individuals will be personally invested in the party’s success. Their political survival is tied to the governor’s re-election, making them more likely to work tirelessly to mobilise voters and secure a win for the party.

In terms of political strategy, this approach is both practical and necessary. Nigerian politics, like politics in many parts of the world, operates on a system of patronage. While this might seem to contradict the ideals of technocratic governance, it is often essential for maintaining political stability and ensuring electoral success. Appointments like these help the governor manage the complexities of Ondo State’s diverse political landscape, where different communities have different needs and political expectations. By appointing SSAs and SAs, the governor is able to extend his political reach into every corner of the state, ensuring that no region is neglected.

To address the concerns raised in the write-up, the governor should focus on ensuring that these appointees are held accountable for their roles. Clear, measurable objectives should be set for each SSA and SA so that they can contribute to governance in a meaningful way. Performance-based assessments could be introduced to ensure that their presence leads to tangible improvements in the state. Additionally, the governor could frame these appointments as part of his broader commitment to inclusive governance, where every community has a voice in decision-making.

The ultimate goal of these appointments is to secure electoral victory in November. In this light, they can be seen as a political strategy designed to empower local communities and ensure that the party remains strong across all LGAs and LCDAs. By expanding his political network through these appointments, the governor is increasing his chances of re-election while also potentially bringing governance closer to the people. While the concerns about the cost of governance are valid, they must be weighed against the political realities of Nigerian elections, where grassroots support is often the key to success.

In conclusion, while the critique highlights important concerns about governance and public expenditure, it overlooks the political necessity of such appointments in the context of an impending election. The appointment of over 300 SSAs and SAs can be understood as a pragmatic move aimed at securing grassroots support, ensuring political loyalty, and preparing for electoral success. When analysed within the broader context of Nigerian politics, this strategy emerges as a calculated approach to strengthening political networks ahead of a crucial election.

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