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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

Immediately after the declaration of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winner of the February 2023 Presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), there were vivacious and spontaneous celebrations among supporters, party members, and other people. For some members of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), the party’s victory signalled rays of hope for possible appointments in the in-coming government.

Following his inauguration as the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the 5th in the 4th Republic, on May 29, 2023, party members and loyalists were brewing with enthusiasm and excitement about getting positive look-in for appointments in the new government.

True, there was nothing abstract, and unreasonable about this. As is common in politics, every member of the victorious party in any political battle, always desire to savour some slice of the “spoils of war.” Even in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and other democracies in different climes, it is the same practice. Perhaps, politicians have better understanding of “labourer is worthy of his wages” as elucidated in the Good Book. For many, having toiled and traversed within space and spans across the country, campaigning and marketing the party’s candidate, it is not out of place to benefit from the many offices to be filled.

Days, and weeks into the commencement of his government, President Tinubu made some appointments. In quick successions, the offices of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, (SGF); Chief of Staff, (CoS); Security Adviser (which later became National Security Adviser, NSA); and few others were filled. To underscore his commitment to governance, and the enthronement of focused leadership, list of ministerial-nominees were made public, and sent to the Senate for necessary legislative inquisition. After successful vetting, and screening, the nominees took oath of office as Ministers, and Members of the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) in August 2023. Thereafter, few appointments were made as Heads of Agencies, and other Parastatals. These appointments, as expected, elicited the commendation of party members; particularly those who had eyes on Board appointments. Some made bold conjectures and calculations that with the speed and pace at which the appointments were done, Tinubu, in no time, would enlist more people to serve, in various capacities in his government.

However, from the first to the third quarter of 2024, the sweet melodies from prospective, and expectant appointees to the Boards of Federal Government agencies began to drift.Though more executive appointments were made by Tinubu, in some ways, it did not entirely boost the morale and expectations of many Boards-applicants. A school of thought argues that the long delays of Board appointments may affect party loyalty, and confidence building of members; particularly those who worked assiduously for the February elections victory.

Another school of thought wondered why Board appointments; which represents huge gamut of offices, was not filled. Yet, a different school of thought posited that if appointments into Boards were not emplaced in good time, it may breed murmurs, and complaints among party members. Perhaps, prognosis by the last group may have some believability. It is argued that few of the rising criticisms of Tinubu; in measured tunes may have been addressed if some party members benefitted as Board Members and Chairmen. Few political commentators believe that the prolonged silence about Board appointments may open the flanks of some impatient APC members to join the bandwagon of emerging coterie and collage of opponents of government across the country.

Few weeks back, Tinubu approved appointments into the Boards of various FG agencies. This came as a positive shock to many people, especially party members. Some described the action as a master stroke by the political aficionado. Though in the last few months of 2024, the rumour mills were filled about the possibility of making appointments into few agencies, many people never believed. In spite the rife speculations, many in the political class chose to imbibe the “spirit of doubting Thomas.” Few, expressed cautious optimism. The Presidency, through a press statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga on January 24, 2025, confirmed the appointments of over 1,000 Nigerians into the Boards of about 45 agencies, spanning over 12 federal ministries. The list comprised political heavyweights, former governors, former legislators, APC officials and members. Worthy of mention is the inclusion of few apolitical and distinguished personalities like Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, emeritus diplomat, former foreign affairs minister, and global affairs cognoscente.

One of the names that made the list is Durosinmi Meseko, the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary. The Kogi-born politician was appointed Chairman, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI). Given his multi-tasking capabilities, commanding competencies, and enthralling capacities, Meseko’s appointment is deserving. From verified records of conscientious service in the private sector, public service, and politics, he has consistently shown unbridled resourcefulness, unflinching commitment, undeniable dependability, and unparalleled loyalty in interactions and assignments. In all his past and present positions, he has exhibited unusual fecundity, uncommon grit, and unequivocal resilience in the realization of objectives, and targets. His profile reels consistency, character, and confidence. With over two decades broad-based experiences as a quintessential journalist, former legislators, presidential salesman, corporate communications specialist, and political party sales-person, Meseko’s appointment is a fitting round peg in a round hole.

From the Kano state owned Triumph Newspapers to The News, Tempo, TELL, and ThisDay publications, Meseko made his mark as a daring, courageous, and hard-hitting reporter, writer, and editor at various stages. As the Media Adviser to the presidential aspiration of former Senate Leader, and one of Nigeria’s most profound politician and humanist; Late Senator Olusola Saraki, he brought fresh perspectives to political salesmanship.

Meseko, who by the way was unarguably one of the first person to occupy such position in the 4th Republic deployed verve, gusto, fervency, and fervour in marketing his principal.

As the pioneer Public Relations Manager of Albarka Airlines, promoted by Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba (Rtd); former Military Administrator of Lagos state; and presently Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), he built the image and profile of the company that, within few months the Airline became the preferred choice of frequent air-flyers, and household name in the aviation sector. As the representative of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency between 2003 and 2007 in the House of Representatives, Meseko who was Chairman, Committee on Gas contributed his quota to legislation, oversight, and representation. An unapologetic fighter for equity, social justice, and fairness, Meseko who contested for the Kogi governorship seat in 2007 under the platform of Peoples Progressives Alliance, (PPA) is reputed for being humane, and empathetic to people, not minding tribal, ethnic, religious and gender differences.

The writer cannot claim to be a close friend of Meseko; whom we fondly called Mexico. Those who fit into this category includes Femi Oladele, a Deputy Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Corps, (FRSC); David Yusuf, an Abuja-based property development entrepreneur; Ade-Ralph Olamife, Deputy Governorship candidate at the last Kogi state elections; Kola Ologbondiyan, former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), and few others.

Though prodigious, Meseko and the writer first met about 30 years ago at the School of Basic Studies, Ilorin. He accompanied Debo Moshood; one of my roommates to K8.

The room, which had Samson Tukur, Oluwafemi Joseph, Bala Danjuma, and Garba Abubakar as other occupants was self-named “court of no appeal” became very popular, and largely noted for numerous social pastimes, and youthful actions.

From that visit, one discovered Meseko’s friendly disposition, intelligence, and expressive views about positions he believed in. Given the absence of real-time communication services, unlike what we have now, we lost contacts.

Sometimes in the ’80s, on a Friday, which was a usual all-evening rendezvous for many in Lagos, the writer and group assembled at the Tafawa Balewa Square office of Olamife; which by the way was our usual take-off point for the weekend’s social activities. As the writer, Thaddeus Ibitomuhi, Adeogun Francis, Samuel Jimoh sat comfortably in the navy blue-coloured Peugeot 504 SR, having beautiful thoughts about the evening, Olamife, who was behind the wheels had other ideas. Having just taken delivery of the vehicle as his official car being the Special Adviser to NITEL’s Sole Administrator, Olamife meandered through the early evening Lagos Island traffic build-up, and made it to the popular 3rd Mainland Bridge. Concerned about his unusual speed, and obvious excitement, Thaddeus; being the eldest enquired to know the reasons for this upbeat conduct. Smiling heartily, Olamife declared, “my very good friend is waiting for me at home …he’s been there for about two hours now.” After over one hour of commuting from Lagos Island to the Alausa, Ikeja residence of Olamife, the writer, Thaddeus, and Jimoh were pleasantly surprised that the “mystery friend” was Meseko. For unending minutes, the backslaps, hugs, screaming, and exchange of pleasantries was electrifying, and almost contagious. Typical of Meseko, he was at home at his friend’s abode. As they say in local parlance, he was in charge. He ensured that cousins, brothers, and friends of Olamife were robustly entertained with plates of Turkey peppersoup, liquor and beverages of their choice. Blessed with high degrees of empathy, humanness, and altruism, Meseko is extremely accessible, and accommodating.

Happily, after the Lagos re-union, the writer has been in almost-regular association with Meseko. From when he was at Albarka Airlines, This Day newspapers, and National Assembly, together with Oladele, now and again, Meseko has remained his old self. With no airs, he remains friendly, simple, generous and genial.

That he veered and ventured into the murky waters of politics was not surprising to many who knew him. As an innate bridge-builder, and effervescent personality with limpid characteristics, it was necessary that he needed a bigger space where these attributes can be better leveraged for common good. That he was (and still) a peoples man came to the fore when he formally joined PDP early 2000s. Many people including friends, classmates, and colleagues from Abuja, Lagos, Ilorin, Port Harcourt, Kano, and other major cities in the country converged at his Odo Ape Ward in Kabba-Bunu LGA to witness the occasion. Arguably, the quality, and quantum of visitors to the peaceful community was unprecedented. After the event, as the entourage embarked on motorcade from the community to Kabba, the number of people that joined at various interactions was breath taking. Little wonder, Meseko won his party primaries, and subsequent elections for the House of Representatives seat where he represented the good people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency between 2003 and 2007.

Given Meseko’s credentials as an intellectual, deep thinker, forthright leader, and hardworking personality with capacity for efficiency, it is obvious that he will galvanize the NBRRI towards contributing to the realization of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. As a man who knows his onions, blessed with superlative administrative competencies, organisational capacities, and results-yielding communication skills, many people are confident that the NBRRI will experience national recognition, and global endorsements. More importantly, it is expected that he will deplore his serially-proven and time-tested attributes to engage and dialogue with all strata of stakeholders, within and without the NBRRI to achieve and surpass the goals and timelines set for the Board, and management of the agency by the Tinubu administration.

BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist, was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.