No political party can succeed without its engine room. And this engine room is made of tireless workers: many of whom are usually unsung heroes. They are more interested in achieving victory for the team rather than personal accolades. They are selfless and loyal to their party.
One of such persons worthy of being chronicled is Murtala Ajaka. It is no longer news that Ajaka is the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). What is news is his valuable contribution to the party since that convention in March.
For many political appointees or party officials, as soon as they attain their respective positions, they relax and enjoy the perks of office. It is no longer about what they can do for the party. It is about what the party can do for them. Ajaka’s case is different. He literally works for the party.
At the party’s presidential primary election, he could be seen pacing up and down. He hardly stayed in one place for a few minutes. He worked round the clock to ensure he delivered on his part. Since his remarkable rise in the APC many youths in Kogi state have been inspired to join the APC. So far, he has been a very good ambassador of the party.
Ajaka who until recently served as Personal Assistant (PA) to former Chairman of National Caretaker/Convention Planning Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, has been wearing his heart on his sleeves as far as the ruling party is concerned. And anyone, irrespective of status who isn’t showing 100 percent commitment to their biggest project, which is the 2023 presidential election, should be ready to be reprimanded by him.
About three months ago, he called on minister of labour and employment Chris Ngige and other political appointees who weren’t openly campaigning for the presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to resign.
Ajaka was reacting to comments made by Ngige when he appeared on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.
When asked whether he would endorse Tinubu or back Peter Obi, the flag bearer of the Labour Party, Ngige described the question as “difficult”.
“Both of them are my friends. My choice will be in the ballot box. Whether conscience or no conscience, on that day in February, I’ll have one vote,” he had said.
In a statement, Ajaka criticised the minister over the remarks.
“The presidential primary election had long ended and the party had settled for the choice of Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hence all the party leaders should put their ambitions behind them for now to deliver the party’s presidential ticket,” the deputy spokesman said.
“It is expected of a serving minister in an APC government to be a trusted Apostle of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency in 2023, who along other party leaders laboured to ensure the enthronement of the same government in 2015 which they are now serving in.
“Chief Ngige and other APC appointees, especially in the federal cabinet should not forget in a hurry that they are holding onto party’s mandate, hence the need to protect it with whatever it requires, but if they can no longer protect the interest of the APC in public and that of our presidential candidate (Tinubu), I think the honourable thing to do is to step aside from the government formed by the APC.’’
His statement has further endeared him to party faithful across board as someone who is straightforward and expects the same from other prominent party members.
He is also fast warming his way into the hearts of lovers of the APC and those who are clamouring for young people to be at the helm of affairs as far as politics or leadership is concerned. Speaking of young people, in Igala land, anywhere two or more young people are gathered, the name ‘Murtala Ajaka’ is likely to come up. It isn’t just the symbolic aspect of his position that prompts discussions of him. It is also his philanthropic ways. He isn’t bound by law to do some of the things he is doing because he isn’t a government official in the state. But in his capacity as a chieftain of the APC and his strong connections with the grassroots in Kogi State, Ajaka is giving back to his community.
His name is also fast becoming synonymous with rural development. In the villages in Kogi State, as soon as the sun sets, most people would rather be at home than be outside because of the cover of darkness. Men of the underworld take advantage of it to rob unsuspecting victims.
One of the most famous towns in Igala-land and Kogi as a whole is Anyigba. That is where the state university is situated. The environments surrounding the university are usually buried in darkness. But with Ajaka’s rural electrification initiative, darkness on the streets of Anyigba has become a thing of the past.
At Odolu, the headquarters of Igala-Mela Local Government Area, has also been lighted up. Ankpa is also said to be undergoing this revolution. Ajegwu-Idah, Idah Alu Ogo Ai Abutu Ejeh and a few other places are feeling the impact of Ajaka’s selflessness.
Radio Kogi Ochaja, founded about 30 years ago, has become a shadow of itself, due to neglect. But with Ajaka’s intervention, the place is coming back to life.
There are also reports that he also had a hand in the revival of Idah Water Works. He is also trying his best to ensure that out of school children in his community due to being orphaned are able to return to school.
Some see his giant strides as political. Some say he could be eyeing a seat in the future. Some say he is using it to win the people’s heart for his party’s candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Well, he is a party man. If his moves are political like some people think, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it because it’s a win-win situation.
While he is boosting the image of the party as a deputy publicity secretary, the people are benefiting from it. He is not promoting the party and his candidate with the media alone: he is doing things physically to touch the lives of the people. There is no publicity better than impacting the lives of the people. If the people are benefiting from his actions, the motive doesn’t matter. He should keep it up as far as the people are concerned.
