Beyond Rhetorics: Celebrating an Icon of Excellence

It’s almost two years now since we kickstarted this exciting journey together with you as the Chief pilot while I support as the leader of the Cabin Crew. To many, they assumed we met as strangers, but only a few knew that you have been a father figure to me from time immemorial, having laid hands on my head about three decades ago which marked the turning point of my salvation in Christ. 

Since assumption of office in October, 2023, you have worked with me as though we have spent so many professional lives together, gradually transforming from Boss to a Leader, Master to a Father, Superior to a mentor. Your patient mentorship, dexterity, affability, amiability and geniality is something I will live to imbibe for the rest of my life. You are always calm through the storms, smiling through difficult moments and consistently insisting on fairness to all and sundry. 

Working with you has taught me that indeed, public administration is service to humanity and service is humanity is service to God. Your kind/brand of politics is strange. As a student of politics, I was told that Nigerian politics is characterized by lies, empty propaganda, deceitful gerrymandering and manipulative moves. For these reasons, I never imagined myself delving into the murky waters of our political system. But I was wrong! Over time, you have shown me that it is possible for politicians to be fair, just and honest. You have shown me that the Machiavellian theory I learnt in school where power and leadership should be executed by all means, whether moral or immoral, were all but evil mechanizations deliberately crafted to justify the whimes and caprices of a few.

Distinguished Sir, as you mark this special day, I earnestly pray that God will further decorate your life with all the good things you desire. As you hustle and toil everyday to turn the fortunes of your people from backwardness to prosperity, stagnation to progression, negativity to positivity, pessimism to optimism, hopelessness to faith, I pray that the Almighty God who sees in secret grant you the wishes of your heart. 

Thank you for staying true to your mantra and credo. Thank you for elevating principles above primordial sentiments. Thank you for replacing doubts with courage, radicalism with functionalism. Thank you for offering your wide shoulders for us to climb and see the distant far. Many thanks for not just showing the way but leading the way! 

Happy Birthday to you my Father, Boss, Leader and Mentor! 

Cheers to many many more years to come

Victor Kwambuge, PhD 

Senior Legislative Aide/ Chief of Staff to the Senator