How to keep loyalists as a politician: The Francis Ottah Agbo example

By Ameh Comrade Godwin

In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian politics, one name that resonates with a legacy steeped in service, loyalty, and political acumen is Francis Ottah Agbo.

My initial encounter with Ottah occurred more than a decade ago within the (weekend newsroom) of The Sun Newspaper, when he headed the political desk of Sunday Sunday.

Assigned a story on PDP chieftain Bode George, I experienced Ottah’s magnanimity firsthand.

Despite the late submission, he ensured the story graced the front page—a defining moment for a budding journalist.

Though time may have dimmed the details for him, that gesture remains etched in my memory as my second ‘cover’ byline in a national daily.

Our paths crossed again at the University of Lagos during his honorary doctorate ceremony—an encounter whose significance remains deeply personal. Little did I know that our connection would later extend to the realm of politics.

Fast forward to 2018 when Ottah expressed his intent to contest for the House of Representatives in Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo.

A brotherly disagreement ensued over his choice of campaign strategy, revealing a facet of Ottah’s character that spoke volumes about his commitment to his beliefs.

However, the intervention of elders like Dr. Adakole Elijah, Dr. Oche Elias, and Chief James Oche, prevented the situation from escalating, preserving Ottah’s gentlemanly demeanor.

The journey continued post-inauguration, with Ottah frequently visiting the office of my erstwhile boss in the national assembly.

From the corridor, the echoes of “Ozigizaga,” his nickname, resonated, painting a picture of a good-natured and sociable politician.

A careful study of Ottah reveals a distinctive quality—he excels in ‘servicing’ loyalty, effortlessly involving people irrespective of their gender.

The recent buzz on social media attests to his commitment to uplifting his people.

Ottah’s initiative to secure job opportunities for young Idoma people in the NDLEA is not a solitary act; it echoes a similar effort three years ago during his tenure as the House Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics.

What sets Ottah apart is not just his ability to wield political influence but his enduring impact on those who have remained loyal to his cause.

His job initiatives have not merely benefited individuals but have forged unbreakable bonds of loyalty.

Ottah exemplifies the wisdom of the adage, “Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Despite any flaws he may possess as a politician, this singular act has endeared him to many, including myself.

As Ottah continues to carve his path, let his legacy serve as a beacon for politicians in our climes.

They need prioritize loyalty and rise above pettiness.

This reflection merely scratches the surface of the profound impact of a man whose political journey unfolds with threads of loyalty and service interwoven into its very fabric.

Ameh Comrade Godwin ranted from Ochocho Hills in Owukpa