The Petroleum Principal Secretary, Mohamed Liban, finds himself at the center of a growing political storm as prominent leaders Nuh Hajji and Rehema Jaldesa intensify efforts to discredit him.
The campaign, which appears to be well-orchestrated, is drawing criticism from within and beyond the Borana community, with many perceiving it as a personal vendetta cloaked in political maneuvering.
A Calculated Campaign
Sources suggest that the effort to oust Liban has escalated with the involvement of a young Karayu activist. This individual is reportedly being groomed to amplify pressure against the PS.
The situation took a sharper turn when a former councillor met with Hajji and Jaldesa in Garbatulla over the weekend.
The meeting allegedly set the groundwork for a smear campaign aimed at portraying Liban as an unpopular and uncooperative leader.
Instructions were reportedly given to recruit prominent Hawatu figures to propagate this narrative, leveraging their influence within the community. However, this plan met resistance.
Despite promises of lucrative compensation, the majority of those approached rejected the overtures, firmly standing by Liban.
One Hawatu elder dismissed the effort, stating, “Mohamed Liban is a national figure and our pride. We refuse to be pawns in this local political scheme.”
Failed Attempts and Online Backlash
The campaign’s failure to gain traction culminated in an isolated attempt to tarnish Liban’s reputation.
When plans for a press conference faltered due to insufficient support, the former councillor released a solo video criticizing Liban.
The video quickly went viral, but rather than rallying opposition, it sparked widespread support for Liban, particularly from the Hawatu community, who defended him passionately on social media platforms.
Underlying Motivations and Broader Implications
Observers believe the attacks on Liban are tied to anticipated changes in government leadership, including possible cabinet reshuffles.
The timing of the campaign suggests it may be part of a broader strategy to weaken Liban’s standing and secure his replacement.
However, the strategy appears to be backfiring. Many within the Borana community view the move as divisive and counterproductive.
Critics argue that the personal nature of the attacks undermines collective efforts to present a united political front.
Prominent professionals and community leaders have expressed concern, urging that internal differences be resolved without resorting to public campaigns.
Impact on Political Dynamics
The fallout from this political feud is reverberating across the region. Analysts suggest that the actions of Nuh Hajji and Rehema Jaldesa are diminishing their popularity, not only among the Borana but also within other allied communities.
The once-cohesive political bloc is showing signs of fragmentation, with mounting frustration over the negative portrayal of a figure many consider a community asset.
In conclusion, the attempt to discredit Mohamed Liban has exposed deeper fault lines in local political dynamics.
As speculation over a cabinet reshuffle continues, the unfolding saga underscores the challenges of balancing national representation with local political ambitions.
For many, this episode is a cautionary tale about the perils of prioritizing personal agendas over collective progress.
