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By Kola Popoola
July 12, 2018 remains a day to reckon with in the political history of Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola, Iwajowa Federal Constituency as the famous philanthropist and businessman, Shina Peller, drew different VIPs, celebrities, reigning artists, opinion leaders, indigenes and residents of the constituency in their thousands who all gathered at Technical College, Oluwole Iseyin, Oyo State for his official declaration of interest/rally to represent the constituency at the Federal House of Representatives in 2019.
Being a famous personality whose events are often considered newsworthy, the rally did enjoy wide media coverage from various leading media organizations across the country, and consequently, has strengthened the belief of many that Shina Peller is the answer to the yearning of his people for a selfless and purposeful representation at the National Assembly. However, there was something odd and unique about the rally which none of these media houses has dwelt on. It was the presence of Shina Peller’s twelve year old daughter, Naomi Peller, at the rally.
Traditionally in Nigeria, it is a norm for top politicians and even affluent individuals to fly their children abroad the moment elections draw nearer. For those whose children live abroad, they will never allow them jet into the country for whatever reason during this period. To them, their children are too precious to be exposed to Nigeria’s political rascality, especially as it involves political rallies. This is because political rallies and gatherings in Nigeria are often characterized by violence, and politicians are fond of mobilizing only people that are not closely related to them for rallies. Hardly will you see any Nigerian politician’s children at rallies!
It is, therefore, surprising for a probing mind to see Shina Peller fly in his daughter from abroad to join him for a political rally in his hometown. The young Naomi was on ground holding and waving a broom in solidarity with other supporters of her father. This is quite unprecedented among political gladiators in the country. Looking at this action holistically, one may reasonably conclude that Shina Peller is a free and open-minded person who believes that what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
To satisfy my journalistic curiosity, I approached Shina Peller for a brief interview on the subject matter. And he said, “If the old and young ones that are not my blood could take the risk of making themselves available at my own event, why shouldn’t my child do same for me? Besides, I relate freely with people and because most of them love me, I don’t believe any of them would want to harm me or my child.”
To me, this shows that Shina Peller is a kindhearted personality that is not only interested in the wellbeing of himself and loved ones alone, but all. Also, it adds credence to the claims by many that Shina Peller will make himself accessible to his people if he is eventually elected into the National Assembly. Indeed, he is the kind of people that Nigeria needs at the helm of affairs.
In the same vein, another thing that I consider worth noting about the rally was the overwhelming reactions that emanated from the crowd when Shina Peller was called on stage by the anchor, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st. Flanked by his daughter, Naomi and other family members, Shina Peller walked so humbly, yet confidently, towards the stage to the admiration of all. The ovation he received was incredibly loud and would not stop until he stepped on stage.
Interestingly, as he was given a microphone to address his people, the ovation resurrected again from the crowd, and this time it was louder and even longer. Inspired by these positive reactions from the crowd, the two Fuji artists on stage, Rasheed Ayinde (Merenge) and Kolade Onanuga (K1 De Future) started sing-praising Shina Peller interchangeably with their melodious lyrics. And the crowd went along with them passionately.
As Shina Peller spoke to his people, I was very attentive to body and oral languages of some people in the crowd, and what I saw inspired me. I saw people looking at Shina Peller as a messiah who will help them wrong the right in their constituency, and people who are ready to support #ShinaAyo2019 movement in their various possible means. As I stood there, I could see vividly that Shina Peller is loved by his people, and that he will make a very good leader to them. This is the untold story of the rally that I consider worth noting.
