Homecoming: A witness to Saliu Mustapha’s street credibility

Grit. Panache. Capacity. Capability. Those were what the Ilorin metropolis witnessed on Thursday during the homecoming of the All Progressives Congress senatorial candidate for the Kwara Central senatorial seat. Mallam Saliu Mustapha has always been in the news for good reasons. That is the kind of personality he has built for himself over the years and that is commended by all and sundry of the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara state.

Twice Saliu Mustapha has performed magic before me and on both occasions, I have had reasons to raise questions. On the first occasion, it was the day of his turbaning as the 4th Turaki of Ilorin. I had thought that it was normal to pull such a crowd perhaps with his money or with the goodwill of the people of Ilorin to their cultures and traditions.

But on Thursday, I had a new revelation. The fact that Saliu Mustapha can pull such a huge crowd from the Ilorin International Airport to the Emir’s palace and fill the Banquet Hall to the brim shows he is popular with the people.

Not even the downpour could stop the people of Ilorin from trooping out in their numbers in appreciation of their golden son. A homecoming ceremony more like a festival day with pomp and pageantry.

A closer look into both occasions defines Saliu Mustapha as a man of his people. A Saliu that is loved by all from far and wide. Evident enough that Mallam Saliu Mustapha will be a Senator for all after his emergence in the coming elections.

I also remember a day during the build-up to the APC Chairmanship election. Mallam Saliu was in the news and his words are as hopeful as his vision for the party, his state and his country. “This election is not a do-or-die affair for me.” “Win or lose, I will continue to stand by my party.” “I am contesting as a means to be part of the decision markers that will make decisions that would further better the lives of my people.” “I am qualified for this position as a unifier and bridge builder.” These words and other good ones are what you will hear from the Turaki of Ilorin’s mouth. He is never desperate for a position. He understands that it is only God that bestows on people whatever He feels like.

The icing on the cake of all these matters is how the people of Ilorin have continued to support and show appreciation for Mustapha’s philanthropy. It clearly authenticates the saying that Ilorin people will always stand by their son.

It is a joy knowing that Mallam Saliu Mustapha is going to represent our blessed constituency in the 10th Assembly. It feels surreal to have a man with real impact taking on the most assiduous task in the building of his people and state.