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 ...