When we say politics is local, we must mean it in every sense of the word, in its practice, its culture, and its priorities.

From the dance to the drumming, from the sharing of clothes to face caps and T-shirts, these are not just side attractions, they are part of the political culture our people understand and connect with.

Sadly, i’ve observed a troubling trend among some people in Kogi State, particularly our youths.

When catapults are shared as “empowerment” in other states, they clap and celebrate.

When wheelbarrows and bread are given, they hail the leader and call it vision.

But when it’s Kogi State, even if the leader gives out vehicles, even if the leader shares food that puts smiles on faces, they grumble, mock, and twist the gesture into a joke.

This is not about the items, it’s about a mindset poisoned by bias.

Some people don’t want to see good in Kogi State, no matter how bright it shines.

After the emergence of Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo as the Executive Governor of Kogi State, the Accountant General of the state, Dr Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko FCNA, FCTI, has been moving from ward to ward, local government to local government, and across all three senatorial districts to appreciate the people for not only electing Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo as their governor, but for also supporting his government.

This wasn’t her personal decision, it was a mandate giving to her by the state.

At the same time, she was taking note of the pressing needs of every community she visits.

Through these visits, many communities have already benefitted, receiving transformers, gaining access to boreholes, and having their roads repaired.

Do you know that in every single stop of the journey, she presents clothes and cash donations to the community.

Let’s be honest, if she had just greeted them and left, it’s still the same people (keypad warriors) that would say, “Ordinary pure water or cola ( ti irevu-atara) she didn’t drop.”

Yes, the Accountant General shared clothes, and amidst the noise and criticism, she gave even more.

Do you know she has also facilitated jobs, created opportunities, and impacted lives in countless ways, most of which happen quietly, away from the camera.

Yet, some choose to reduce her efforts to in just “giving wrappers.” That’s not only unfair, it’s a distortion.

Wrappers were just a gesture of kindness. The real gift she’s giving is good governance, transparency, and development.

The real story is this, her legacy isn’t in fabric, but in the livelihoods she’s helped secure, the families she has supported, and the doors she has opened for many.

To ignore all these is to choose witchcraft and gossip over truth.

Apart from helping our youths to secure pensionable employment, and securing appointments for many, she has sponsored skills acquisition programs where participants were trained in tailoring, soap and cream making, hairdressing, and went further to empower women with start-up capital to put those skills to use.

As someone who believes education is the gateway to success, she has encouraged and supported all the young girls in FAWWASS in their educational pursuits, as well as adults in the adult literacy program.

And that’s not all, she has also facilitated the pilgrimage of Muslims to Hajj and Christians to Jerusalem.

I witnessed these gestures personally, and I know they didn’t begin with her appointment as Accountant-General of the state.

This is a culture of giving she began as far back as her days as Treasurer of a local government area.

Her actions has giving credence to the popular note that, “One doesn’t need to have it all before offering help and service.”

There are still people who can actually go out of their way to seek support and opportunity for others.

This write-up is not meant to downplay the contributions of other appointees who are diligently playing their part. When leaders do well, we must learn to acknowledge and commend them.

There’s one thing the public needs to understand about Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko. She is not a leader who feeds on gossip or lies.

She values truth, she values results, and she rewards effort.

Many leaders fall victim to the sycophants who hang around them just to poison their minds against others.

Look at the people in her circle, the likes of Hon. Ibrahim Ahovi, Hon. Muhammed Ohinoyi (DSO) and Hon. Adams Adabenege. Those are not benchwarmers.

They are men of proven capacity and impeccable reputation.

Hon. Ibrahim Ahovi once held the reins of the APC in the state, before becoming the RUWASSA boss, while Hon. Adams Adabenege steers the Local Government Service Commission, and Hon. Mohammed Ohinoyi is the Secretary, KOSIEC.

These are positions of weight, entrusted only to those who have earned the confidence of the state through tangible service.

When you see the calibre of people she surrounds herself with, you’ll understand why her leadership is built on results, not rumours.

For a united and prosperous Kogi State, I urge our youths to refrain from spreading rumours or undermining the genuine efforts of those in positions of service.

Even if you dislike a masquerade, when it appears and performs wonderfully, it deserves to be applauded.