Every
leader, every minster and every institution of modern governance has many
advisors. These advisors hold different roles and responsibilities in the
government ranging from bag carriers and door openers to being at the centre of
the government’s policy and decision-making. Their appointment is patronage and
not open to all thus, ministers or leaders choose their close friends or people
who helped them win and maintain office as advisors to reward for their
support. Advisors act as proxies for their respective ministers or bosses by
attending meetings, preparing documents and even hearing representations. Some
are more powerful than others are and some are more close to the leaders thus,
more influential in decision-making and policy settings. Karl Rove, for
example, was known as the brain of President George W Bush while Farah
Abdul-Kadir was known as the man behind the scene during Hassan Sheikh’s
presidency. However, advisors are more influential than most of us know. In
some c…