It worked like a charm

‘I can’t believe that an innocuous thing like a newspaper’s backpage cartoon can have such a dramatic effect on people in authority. I mean I thought they don’t even read them, let alone allow themselves to be influenced by their contents. But the case of this young governor has led me to rethink my stand.’ I said to Tahir, who had just returned to his favourite seat in the parlour, after praying Magrib in our neighbourhood mosque.

‘What young governor do you mean?’ He asked, turning sideways to look at me.

‘I’m talking about the North-Eastern governor who took a bride the day after taking his oath of office to begin his first term. Everyone thought he had shown an absolute lack of priorities by making marriage the first item on his agenda, as soon as he reached government house. It was doubly criticised because he already had two other wives and was not desperate for a First Lady. The general belief was he could have waited a while, that is until his honeymoon with the people is over before he embarks on his personal honeymoon.

Then came the cartoon. On the back page of the Weekend edition of Daily Trust that week, the talented cartoonist drew two characters talking. One said to the other ‘Every new governor hit the ground running, but so-and-so hit the ground marrying.’

To me that humourous, but potent comment must have hit a raw nerve. From the week after his inauguration, the young governor was all over the state working. It was as if his driving force was to counter the cartoon statement.

He was first shown inspecting schools, then launching development projects and reviving abandoned ones from one place to the other. The way he goes about it,  he seems like someone who has endless energy and limitless funds. I wasn’t surprised at all when he had so much to show by the time he clocked a hundred days in office. And I attribute all this to the gentle nudge applied to him by the cartoon.’ I concluded.

‘Don’t be too sure Bint, you know even the social media was also full of critical commentary over that marriage. For all you know he was responding to that.’ Tahir countered.

‘Maybe that too added some pressure on him, but I assure you Hubby dear, that’s what did the magic was that very pointed observation in the cartoon. Even his body language shows someone who just wants to be seen running from one project to the other, trying hard to prove that even the bride couldn’t tie him down and that he could even be more active, despite the bridal attractions waiting for him, than his non-groom colleagues. Believe me, the cartoon did the trick. It worked like a charm, Tahir, like a charm.’ I emphasised, smiling at him.

‘I still don’t agree with you. I think he’s just a young man with the zeal and patriotism to work. Others wouldn’t care a hoot what critics wrote or sketched, they’ll work according to their defined priorities and at their own pace. And I personally think it’s Almighty Allah’s way of bringing relief to the people of that area, who have borne the brunt of the deadly insurgency for over a decade. I mean, check out the Prof next door. Did he take a new wife also? No, but you have seen how busy he is also, trying hard to address the issues of deprivation, homelessness and other developmental challenges affecting the state.

As the epicentre of the insurgency, his state is the worst hit by it, yet he seems to be all over the place too, fixing this, starting that and distributing empowerment packages to victims. At the celebration of his 100 days, his predecessor sponsored an advert that said he did 120 tasks in a hundred days. Though I couldn’t read the list to the end, I believe he wouldn’t risk showcasing other people’s achievements as his own because they won’t take that lying down.

But he isn’t a groom rushing to prove something to his critics, he is just a former academic who wanted the depth of his education and patriotism to show in the way he governs. So you see Wifey dear, this proves that your theory doesn’t hold water.’ he insisted.

‘But you are the one missing the point darling husband. Don’t you know that the very actions of the Groom Governor can inspire his neighbour to do the same? I mean, here is a guy who just took a new wife, but suddenly he is seen everywhere doing what most previous governors never considered as important. If you were his neighbour wouldn’t you quickly borrow a leaf from him, even if it’s to prevent unfavourable comparisons between their citizens? Believe me, the activities of the Groom Governor can inspire the neighbouring Prof to tighten his belt and work hard. And it will still be thanks to our spot-on cartoon which motivated the former to wish to prove his critics wrong.’ I argued

‘Oh, you are impossible Bint. I mean this is a professor with the exposure and indelible life experiences enough to guide him towards doing the right things. What makes you think he’ll wait to learn from his neighbour before doing what needs to be done? For your information, this learned gentleman recently took his whole cabinet for a retreat in one of the town’s worst hit by the insurgency. He said he wanted them to have a feel of what the town’s residents are going through so as understand their situation. Tell me did you Groom Hero do anything like that which Prof could copy?’ Tahir demanded.

‘No, he didn’t. Ok, you are right Hubby dearest, these two North-Eastern states are blessed, this time around, with workaholic governors who care enough to prioritize their needs and wants. Not unnecessarily dwelling on their motivation, let’s sincerely hope that they keep it up to the end of their tenures.’ I declared, raising my hand in a gesture of truce.

‘That’s more like it Bint. That’s more like what the reality is.’ Tahir agreed, returning my smile.