Razaq Bamidele
The political atmosphere in Ogun State towards 2023 general election erupted recently in favour of the sitting governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun with the joining his camp of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, who was hitherto believed to be in the camp of her former principal, Ibikunle Amosun.
The mild drama was witnessed on Saturday, October 1, at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, the state capital where Governor Abiodun along with the state’s people and residents celebrated the 6nd Independence anniversary of Nigeria.
Recall there has been rumour of animosity between the former governor, Ibikunle Amosun and his successor, the incumbent governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun with their supporters broken into two camps supporting their principals.
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The surprise appearance of Amosun’s deputy at the event promptly sent tongues wagging while people started discussing in hush tones, observing that the surprise attendance of Onanuga, has by the way confirmed the acceptability of Governor Dapo Abiodun among the good people of the state.
Some people, who volunteered comments on the development were quick to submit that, Onanuga’s appearance showed that the Abiodun camp had scored another political goal, with yet another big catch from the Amosun group.
However, pundits observed that, the teaming up with Abiodun by Mrs Onanuga coincidentally tallied with the governor’s speech on the august occasion that had to do with togetherness, peace and unity. “Let’s come together to address our challenges,” Abiodun was reported to have told Nigerians at the colourful event.
However, as the mild drama was unfolding, the governor who appeared undistracted by the sideshow, just carried on with his duties, admonishing Nigerians to embrace oneness against any issue that could stand as impediment to the progress of the country.
His words: “God has blessed our nation. We should come together to harness the natural gifts bestowed on us for the development of our nation and increased prosperity of our people. Yes, the different units or sections of the federation can develop at their respective paces.
“The different development of the various units should be lessons for others. In the words of our old national anthem, “though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand”. If we come together, we will overcome all the challenges facing our nation.
“Our diversity should be our strength. We should not let the same factors that gave birth to a strong nation that we now enjoy be the same factors that will be impediments to its development.
“Therefore, I urge us all to learn from nations that have been divided by these factors. In unity lies our strength. We should learn from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the two countries that used to be together as one.
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“We should even learn from the experiences of the former Soviet Union countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and others that were very influential together in the world. But, today, we all know where fate has taken them after their disintegration. So, we are better together. Our interests are better served than going our different ways.”
The governor noted that, in Ogun state, no fewer than 400 kilometres of road has been completed across the three senatorial districts in the state, adding that his administration would continue to put in place policies that will ensure delivery of good governance in the state.
“My dear good people of Ogun State, in the spirit of the celebration of the 62nd Independence Anniversary of our great country, let me enjoin us that as we celebrate this anniversary, we should continue to promote peaceful co-existence, socio-economic development and respect for rule of law. As an Administration, we are determined to build a society with equal opportunities for all to fulfil their potential. Our Administration is committed to the continued discharge of good governance for an optimal development across all sectors of the economy. Ours is a promise-keeping administration.
“We are committed to even development of all parts of Ogun State. And, as I have said before, we will not develop one part of the State at the expense of another.
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Let me reassure, all the people of Ogun State that our Administration remains unwavering in our commitment to the fulfillment of our “I.S.E.Y.A. Programme” as enshrined in our “Building our Future Together” Agenda. All we request from you is your continued support, cooperation, patience and prayers as we continue to formulate policies and implement programmes towards the development of Ogun State and the creation of individual prosperity for the people. Together, we will build the Ogun State of our collective dreams.
“2023 is another election year as we are all seeking to consolidate our democratic dispensation. No doubt, the politics and politicking towards the next general elections have already begun. We all need to shun the politics of rancor and acrimony. We should rather consider efficiency, pedigree and antecedents of the candidate and credibility as our hallmarks of choosing candidates in the 2023 general elections,” Abiodun declared.