"AS Deputy Governor, he has served with a proverbial loyalty to his Governor. Given his Godly character and deep Christian convictions, Phillips has demonstrated that he could be trusted to perform his duties effectively, thoroughly and with great devotion."
Those are the words that form part of the forward to the book, Phillips Salawu: The Price And The Prize of Loyalty by Yusuf Itopa. The statement made by Professor Jerry Gana, aptly captures the central theme of the book which seeks to highlight the "consequences" of loyalty and its reward.
This memoir written by the current Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, follows the foot steps of similar works by renowned authors in this expose on power tussle. It is an interesting tale that will no doubt interest all those that are interested in knowing what goes on behind the scenes in the corridors of power.
Interestingly, the author in his unique style, recreates scenes from Salawu's childhood days in the early chapters of the book to give the readers a clear insight into his past. He treats such themes as the battle to overcome poverty and challenges of rural life, peer pressure, his career in banking and business, passion for religion as well as his eventual journey into politics.
On a broader view, the author seeks to showcase the challenges being encountered by the deputy governor as a result of his allegiance to the governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
As a foremost political leader in the central senatorial district and the number two citizen of the state, the book brings to the fore the daily struggles the deputy governor undergoes and how his principle of loyalty is yielding positive results.
Through bold imagery, Itopa recounts in detail the numerous blackmail, verbal, physical and diabolic attacks on the deputy governor from the inception of Ibrahim Idris led government to the present day. He leads the readers on a journey into the thoughts of Salawu through the eyes of an insider.
By adopting an interesting narrative approach, he recreates scenes from the famous 2004 PDP rally that was disrupted at Okene, the 2005 Democracy Day mayhem at the Lokoja township stadium among others to highlight plots aimed at creating a gulf between Salawu and the governor and how against all odds, he remains committed to his principle.
Itopa goes on to say that " absolute loyalty is a harrowing experience but one good thing is that those who compromise loyalty will pay for it. Loyalty has its price and prize. A loyal person is never abandoned without reward."
The author reasons that "as the new political leader of the central senatorial district and second in the leadership position of the state, he knew that if peace which is the recipe for unhampered development must exist and political bitterness eschewed, he must team up with his governor to see that equity, justice and fairness continued to be the watchword of their new administration."
This is an interesting, thought-provoking book written in very simple langauge. The 311 page literary piece has documented the highs and lows of the political terrain in Kogi State in recent times and would no doubt serve as future reference point.
Its imagery are selected from social and political situations and events that the readers can easily relate with. Some of the accounts in the book are backed -up with photographs that give credence to the tales.
All factors considered, Phillips Salawu: The Price and The Prize of Loyalty is not only challenging, it has something for everyone, for it underlines the reward for hardwork, determination, sacrifice, patience and loyalty.