Western Herald

16/06/2024

Happy Eid el Kabir

To the esteemed people of Ogbomosoland,

On this blessed Eid el Kabir, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all our sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland. May this sacred season bring joy in every home, harmony, and divine blessings. As we gather in our different homes, let unity renew our love for our land and compassion for the less- privileged strengthen our bond.May this Eid kabir bring prosperity, peace, and happiness to every home in Ogbomosoland.

Eid Mubarak to all. May our celebrations be joyous and unforgettable.

Signed:
H.I.M Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye,
Orumogege 111,
Soun of Ogbomosoland

16/06/2024

Governor Adeleke felicitates Muslim Ummah

OSOGBO– 16/06/2024– Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated Muslim faithfuls in the state and beyond on the occasion of the Eid-il-Kabir celebration, urging them to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice that defines the festive period.

Governor Adeleke recognizes the significance of the festival as a reminder of the unfailing grace of Almighty Allah on humanity, noting that the occasion underscores the reward of obedience and faith in Allah subhanawattahallah.

The Governor charges Muslim faithfuls to take a cue from Prophet Ibrahim's (ASW) act of selflessness and submissive posture, called on Muslim faithfuls to use the occasion to renew bonds and build a safe and healthy society.

"I congratulate every Muslim on this significant Islamic festival and ask that we rededicate ourselves to upholding the essence of the occasion, which underscores sacrifice and faith in Allah," he noted.

"Let us use this period to uphold the spiritual benefit of the celebration by sharing love and togetherness across all divides, while not forgetting to seek the face of Allah for continous peace and progress of Osun state and Nigeria as a whole.

"As a government, we are taking the lead on sacrifice in order to bring about a better situation for the people as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (ASW), and I urge the people to exercise this same attitude so as to achieve a better condition in the social, economic, and political landscape of not just Osun state but also Nigeria.

"I call for sustained support and prayer for our administration in our drive to transform Osun and make it the envy of other places not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor

16/06/2024

...🪄🪄🪄
Every effect has its roots in a cause, and every cause has the potential to ignite a powerful movement of change.
Let us find our cause and be the catalyst for a better future.

Good morning do have a blessed Sunday.

15/06/2024

Please provide your views on the performance of the Bola Tinubu administration after one year of being in office.

Your voice is your power!

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

15/06/2024

Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke's free train ride, few minutes ago, before leaving Abeokuta

15/06/2024

...🌴🌴🌴
No matter where we find ourselves, let us never forget that God's unfailing love and presence are always with us. Whether on the mountaintop or in the valley, our faith remains unshakeable.
So, let us keep trusting and walking with God, for He is with us in every season of life.

Good morning do have a blessed Saturday.

14/06/2024

Lagos First Lady leads Boy Child Initiative participants on Train Ride, visit to Recycling Plant

The 2024 edition of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative kicked off yesterday in Lagos with the First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu leading the participants of the programme on a memorable train ride and exposure to "waste to wealth" activities, marking the start of the 3-day residential workshop packed with educational and adventurous activities.

The train ride was one of several other learning curves and adventurous activities scheduled for the engagement of participants of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative throughout the three-day residential workshop.

The First Lady, a strong advocate for child welfare and education, expressed her excitement about the program's potential to positively impact the lives of the boys involved, noting that the train ride symbolizes the journey of learning and discovery for the boys.

In addition to the Train Ride experience, the First Lady and her team also took the boys on an experiential tour of waste to wealth activities by ALKEM Nigeria Limited, a recycled Polyester Staple Fibre manufacturer located at Plot 4, Amuwo Odofin Industrial Estate, Lagos.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, her team members and the participants of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative were received by the Chief Operating Officer, Alkem Nigeria Limited, Mr. Arumugam Ramalingam and other top managament staff of the company during the visit.

According to the First Lady, the recycling company had proven its worth among other recyclers by building a name in the industry that is worthy of emulation.

She added that it was important for the children who have heard about recycling in their classrooms to to be exposed to the practical aspect of the recycling process with the hope of developing their interest in recycling activities.

The First Lady joined the Boy Child participants to tour the various equipments used for recycling purposes within the company with the recycling instructors explaining the lucrative aspect and economic benefits that abounds in recycling.

While giving an overview of the company, the Chief Operating Officer, revealed that ALKEM was established in the 1980s as a backward integration to the nation’s textile weaving and spinning industry, depending on import until the early 2000 when it decided to look inwards.

“Now, 100 percent of our raw materials are locally sourced and recycled and by doing this, we have created wealth for more than thousands of unemployed persons through Waste to Wealth,” he said.

Mr. Ramalingam said who said that he was happy to receive the Lagos First Lady and the young boys, personally commended the initiative of the Boy Child and the inclusion of experiential tour as part of the lined up events for the participants.

As the workshop continues for the next few days, the boys will engage in various team-building exercises, leadership challenges, and community projects, all aimed at reinforcing the lessons learned and fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.

The over 250 boys who have started their camping activities since the evening of Tuesday 11th June, 2024, will continue to engage in different learning engagements till Friday, 14th June, 2024 at Lagos State Model College, Meiran, Lagos.

Participants during the period of the camping will also have the opportunity to engage with successful leaders from various fields, including business, politics, and non-profit organizations.

14/06/2024

PRESS RELEASE

Oyebanji Appoints Olomojobi New Head Of Service

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Dr Olufolake Olomojobi as the new Head of Service in the State Civil Service.

Dr Olomojobi, until her new appointment, was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education. She takes over from Engr. Sunday Komolafe, who is billed to retire from the State Civil Service on July 1, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory 35 years in the service.

Dr Olomojobi’s appointment as Head of Service takes effect from Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji has commended Engr. Sunday Komolafe, the outgoing Head of Service for his meritorious service to the state, especially his demonstrated resourcefulness, professionalism and administrative acumen which have greatly helped to reposition the State Civil Service for optimal service delivery. The Governor wishes Komolafe success in his future endeavours.

Dr Olomojobi, the new Head of Service, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, (1994). She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Lagos, Akoka (2000); and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) (2005).

She has received several trainings in health management from renowned institutions including the Royal Institute of Public Health Administration, Rocester, London (2005); Harvard University School of Public Health/ WBI, Washington DC, USA; World Bank Institute, Washington DC, USA. She also holds a Master of Science in Health Economics, Policy and Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom. (2017).

Dr Olomojobi started her career with the Ekiti State Civil Service as Assistant Director, Primary Health Care and Disease Control in May 2001. She served in different capacities in the State’s Ministry of Health before her elevation to the position of Permanent Secretary in 2013.

Prior to her new appointment as Head of Service, Dr Olomojobi had served as the Permanent Secretary in several ministries including: Ministry of Health (2013-2016); Hospital Management Board (2016-2018); Ministry of Health and Human Services (2018-2021); and Ministry of Education (2021 to date).

Born on September 20, 1971, Dr Olomojobi, who hails from Otun-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area, is a recipient of the National Productivity Centre’s Award of Excellence in Leadership and Productivity. She is a member of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and the pioneer President, Ekiti State Medical Women Association of Nigeria (NWAN).

Signed:
Yinka Oyebode
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State
13-06-2024

14/06/2024

Oyo To Construct 1,000km Rural Farm Road, Asks New Council Bosses To Grade 30km Each

Oyo State governor ‘Seyi Makinde has said that the state government will soon begin the construction of 1,000 kilometres of rural roads to aid farming and movement of farm produce from rural areas to the city centres.

The governor stated that the farm roads will be constructed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), with the procurement process already completed and mobilisation to sites expected in the coming weeks.
This was as the governor said he has given the go-ahead to the 33 Local Government Areas to grade 30 kilometres of road each.
Governor Makinde stated this while speaking at the special plenary sitting to mark the first anniversary of the 10th Assembly and presentation of a State of the State Address, held at the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking about road construction, Governor Makinde said, “Our template has been very simple. We felt that we should connect all our zones first. If we can go from zone A to Zone B and to Zone C, then, 50 per cent of our problems would have been solved. After that, we could start fixing the inner road.
“Of course, now we have started with Ibadan inner roads. We also have the RAAMP under which 1,000 kilometres of rural farm roads are going to be constructed and I think we are almost done with the procurement process and we should see mobilisation to sites soon.

“Also, I have already given a nod for the implementation for about 30 kilometres of road per local government. They should go ahead and do it, as we have given the nod. The money is sitting in the account of each local government area.”
The governor, who appreciated members of the House of Assembly and the people of Oyo State for their support for the administration and contributions to the growth of the state’s economy, said the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state increased from N4.2bn in 2023 to N4.95bn in the first quarter of 2024.
According to the governor, the policies and projects of his administration in the last five years have been geared towards restoring dignity and pride of Oyo State.
He gave the assurance that there would continue to be a cordial relationship among the three arms of government in order to ensure that all zones of the state feel the impact of good governance.
The governor gave a blow by blow account of his administration’s achievements across the four service-point agenda of the government, including education, health, security and expansion of the state’s economy through infrastructure development, agribusiness, tourism and solid mineral development.
He added that his administration has been able to rejuvenate the economy of the state through the implementation of the Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery (SAfER), which was introduced to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on residents of the state.

“From accelerated development to sustainable development, we have always believed in taking a completely different approach to the economic development of our dear State. This is why when fuel subsidy and the peg on the dollar were removed, while other States were busy distributing palliatives, we were thinking of short, medium, and long-term solutions.
“We came up with SAfER – Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery. The key words -Sustainable actions. SAfER has various, including a food relief package, transport subsidy, food security measures, provision of health insurance, and support for small and micro enterprises and civil servants.”
In the infrastructure sector, Governor Makinde recounted how the administration has successfully connected all zones of the state through the 65 km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road, the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin Road and the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road named Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Highway.
He added that the administration also delivered the 12.5km Challenge-Odo Ona Elewe-Elebu-Apata Road Dualisation named after Chief Theophilus Akinyele; the dualisation of the 8.2km Agodi Gate-Old Ife Road-Adegbayi Road, including an underpass at Onipepeye area, while it is currently reconstructing the 48km Ido-Eruwa Road to link Ibadan and Ibarapa Zones, among other road projects.
According to the governor, the real impact of the road project is that the state is fast becoming a regional agribusiness industrial hub, with the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub located on the Oyo-Iseyin Road, hosting agri-industries such as FrieslandCampina WAMCO with 200 hectares of dairy production; Milkin Barn Agro Services Ltd with 150 hectares for maize cultivation and dairy production; IITA platform Generative and GOSEED Vegetative Ltd with 100 hectares for cassava value chain development, among other companies.
Governor Makinde also used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to building institutions that will guarantee the well-being and continued prosperity of the state, saying his government would be defined by these institutions.
He solicited for more support and collective responsibility to solve various challenges facing the state, noting that the government cannot do it alone.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, said the Assembly has, in the last one year, worked tirelessly to review and pass important legislations, debated critical issues, and represented their constituents with dedication.
He commended the lawmakers for their high level of commitment and patriotism to the welfare of the people of Oyo State and their collaboration with the Executive Arm of Government in its quest to transform and re-engineer the state.
According to Ogundoyin, all the achievements recorded by the House within the last one year were due to the unflinching support and cooperation of Governor Makinde, who according to him, “has taken good governance to a higher level of quality, impact and effectiveness.”
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; as well as former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Also in attendance were Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, political functionaries, traditional rulers and religious leaders, among other dignitaries.
Signed
Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor
June 13, 2024.

14/06/2024

Oduafest 2024 is Coming!

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and creativity at Oduafest 2024! From 23rd to 25th June 2024 in Osun, we have an incredible lineup of events that you won't want to miss:
Keynote Speakers, Live Performances, Engaging Workshops, Cultural Showcases, Networking Opportunities, and Much More!
Register now and secure your spot: https://oduafest.com/register-2024/

Let's make Oduafest 2024 the best one yet!
https://oduafest.com/

14/06/2024

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐀 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐡𝐮 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has said that national anthem alone cannot unite a nation, stressing that it is the ideals of freedom, justice, and equity that bring true unity.

He made this statement while speaking at a special dinner organised to mark Democracy Day at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.

Sani also told President Bola Tinubu that he had aduty to succeed.

He said in part, "Mr President, i will like to draw your attention to this fact and this truth, A national anthem cannot unite a nation, a national pledge cannot unite a nation, a constitution cannot unite a nation.

"A nation is united by the ideals of freedom, a nation is united by equity and by justice.

"This democracy was not a gift given to us by the military, it was not a lottery that we won, it was a product of struggle and sacrifice.

"Mr President, you have a duty to succeed. If you succeed, we will share your glory becuase you came from the trenches, you came from that struggle, you came from that period of struggle.

"Mr President, if you fail, they will say that those of you who fought for democracy have nothing new to offer Nigeria."

14/06/2024

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala celebrates her 70th birthday with her husband and World Trade Organization staff in Geneva, Switzerland.

14/06/2024

...💐💐💐
When heaven is quiet over you, it's not a sign of abandonment. Instead, it's an invitation to lean in, trust with all your heart, and have faith that miracles are just around the corner. For God's timing is perfect, His ways are higher, and His love for you is unwavering.
So, hold on, and keep pressing forward, for your breakthrough is coming, and it will be beyond what you could ever ask or think.

Good morning do have a glorious Friday.

13/06/2024

13/06/2024

Things Fall Apart!

13/06/2024

...🖊️🖊️🖊️
Your future is too bright to be dimmed by distractions. Stay focused, stay determined, and separate yourself from anything that tries to hold you back.
Remember, if you don't separate yourself from distractions, distractions will separate you from your future.

Good morning do have a blessed Thursday.

12/06/2024

Credible Elections, Potent Path to Immortalize MKO Abiola, other Heroes of Democracy- Governor Adeleke:

OSOGBO– 12/06/2024– Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has highlighted free and fair elections as the best way to honour the memory of the acclaimed winner of the June 12 Presidential election, Bashorun MKO Abiola and other democratic heroes.

Describing free and fair elections as the lifeline of any virile democracy, Governor Adeleke acknowledged the sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for the civil rule that we currently enjoy today in a statement to commemorate Democracy Day.

He called on politicians in the country to submit themselves to upholding the tenets of democracy by respecting the will of the people.

According to the Governor, the political class must recommit to strengthen the country's electoral system to deliver credible elections and ensure that the will of the people is not subverted.

Calling election rigging an act of war , Governor Adeleke said “our best homage to our democratic heroes is our continued upholding the basic tenets of democracy. Such include free and fair elections and observance of rule of law.

"We cannot at one hand celebrate democracy day and on the other hand undermine the democratic machine. You cannot be applauding the great memories of the late Bashorun Abiola and at the same time be working against free and fair elections.

"I call on leaders locally and nationally to re-dedicate ourselves to democratic ideals. The will of the people freely expressed must be accepted by genuine democrats. Our electoral system must be strengthened to deliver credible elections. Under no circumstances should the will of the people be subverted.

"Free and fair elections are the lifeline of any virile democracy. Politicians must grow to know and accept that power flows from the people. Rigging elections is an act of war against democracy. Genuine democrats accept electoral verdicts as a mark of respect for the voters, the ultimate holder of sovereignty. That's what I did in 2018 when I was denied victory.

"If there is any lesson June 12 every year is to teach us, it is that democracy thrives when electoral candidates bow to people's will. We must stop being autocratic in democratic garb.

“If you are rejected at an election, take it in good faith and prepare for the next round of election. After all, Abraham Lincoln failed several polls before his eventual emergence as American president”, the Governor concluded.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor

12/06/2024

Nigeria we hail thee!...... Cha! Baba subu!
My our oppressors be restlessness!

12/06/2024

Dear People of Osun State,

I join you today to celebrate our 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s uninterrupted Democracy. On this day, we acknowledge the sacrifices of our heroes who fought for the freedom, rights and privileges we enjoy today. It is our duty and responsibility to ensure we preserve this legacy.

As a people, it is our shared belief that only through a democratic process can we achieve unity, progress and in pursuit of a better society. June 12 is a symbol of our strength and determination to building a better future for ourselves and our nation.

We must stay united, in spite of our religious, cultural and political differences and continue to work together to harness the potential of our nation. As one, we can build a Nigeria of our dream.

God Bless Osun State!
God Bless Nigeria!!
Happy Democracy Day!!!

Gov Ademola Adeleke

12/06/2024

...⚡⚡⚡
Don't let problems discourage you, instead, let them motivate you to seek solutions.
Remember that it's often in times of struggle that we find our greatest opportunities and strengths. Trust in yourself and your ability to overcome challenges, and let your determination and perseverance propel you towards success. You will surely succeed.

Good Morning do have a great Midweek.

11/06/2024

June 12: APC Desecrating Abiola’s Legacy - PDP:

… Cautions that Nigerians Are Angry over Hardship

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), berates the All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations since 2015 for desecrating the democratic principles, legacies and values which the late Chief MKO Abiola laboured and died for.

The Party charges Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day to speak against the anti-democratic tendencies of the insensitive APC which is asphyxiating, inflicting hardship, trampling on the Will and rights of the citizens and seeking to foist a totalitarian system on our nation.

It is distressing that our nation is observing the Democracy Day under a system that relishes in brazen violation of the Constitution, election rigging, stifling and manipulation of opposition, muzzling of dissenting voices; undermining the judicial system and other democracy institutions in desperation to turn Nigeria into a one-Party State.

More disquieting is that all the progress and gains made by successive PDP administrations in entrenching democratic practice in Nigeria have been reversed by the APC administrations.

Nigerians can recall with nostalgia the glorious days of the PDP at the return of Democracy in 1999 to 2015, which period witnessed the expansion of democracy practice and dividend; notably the conduct of free and fair elections; adherence to the Rule of Law and Principle of Separation of Powers, economic transformation resulting in Nigeria becoming a preferred foreign investment destination in the world.

Also, the PDP Government through its privatization and commercialization policy liberalized the economy and the consequential improvement in the fortune of Nigeria citizens.

Democracy is all about the supremacy of the Will of the people, the Rule of Law and the pursuit of the security and wellbeing of citizens. These ideals have been completely violated by the APC administrations which leaders have no respect for public opinion but delight in burdening the people through multiple taxes and looting of treasury to finance their luxury appetite while subjecting other Nigerians to a life of fear, uncertainty, despondency and abject poverty.

It is saddening that instead of celebrating freedom and good governance; the very of essence of democracy which Chief MKO Abiola stood for; Nigerians are in anguish over the exploitive, ill-implemented anti-people policies and programmes of the APC which has weaponized poverty in the country.

The increase in fuel price and hike in electricity tariff with no corresponding tangible policy or programme directed towards the welfare of the people further show the anti-people stance of the APC administrations. Today, under the APC, prices of food, medicines and other essential commodities increase uncontrollably and soaring beyond reach.

Is it not provocative that while APC leaders are relishing in opulence, other Nigerians cannot afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life?

The recent opening of the N21 billion luxury mansion for Vice President Ibrahim Shettima by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a country of collapsing infrastructure; with over 40% unemployment rate; where millions of citizens are literally starving; and where our schools and hospitals lack the basic operation equipment and tools is only a glimpse into the insensitivity, arrogance, impunity and reckless misdirection of resources that pervade the APC administrations.

Our Party urges President Tinubu to use the occasion of the Democracy Day to have a deep reflection on the state of the nation under his watch, especially given the growing public agitation over hunger and high cost of living in the country.

The PDP again reminds President Tinubu that there is destitution in the land and that the reaction of a hungry people is better imagined. Mr. President should, in keeping with democratic tenets, listen to Nigerians and review policies that are suffocating life in the country.

Nevertheless, the PDP salutes Nigerians for their belief in Democracy and urges them not be discouraged by the failures of the APC administrations since 2015.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

11/06/2024

Empowering others through our help not only strengthens them, but also breeds the power of kindness within us.

11/06/2024

...🍒🍒🍒
Success is not just about knowing your goal, it's also about knowing the right time to act. It's about being aware of your surroundings, your limitations, and your place in the world. Stay focused on the path ahead, and avoid distractions and detours that could lead you off course.
Remember, the road to success is not always easy, but it's worth it when you stay true to yourself and your purpose.

Good morning do have a fruitful Tuesday.

10/06/2024

Tinubu’s Unplanned Leadership Must End In 2027 – Salihu Lukman:

A Former national vice chairman (North-West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has asked opposition parties and other critical stakeholders in the country to mobilise Nigerians towards dislodging the APC in 2027.

Lukman, a former Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), in a statement on Saturday, said pushing the APC out of power remains the only way to address the avalanche of challenges bedeviling the country.

He said defeating the APC in 2027 is possible if opposition parties and Nigerians unite, just like top politicians united and succeeded in pushing the military back to the barracks.

Western Herald reports that Nigerians are groaning over the spate of killings, kidnappings for ransom, food crisis, hike in electricity tariff, high cost of transportation, goods and services in the country occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy by the APC led government.

Minimum wage: Labour knocks govs for rejecting N60,000
70k minimum wage can& #8217;t take any Nigerian family home & #8211; Rep Chinda
Lukman said, “Patriotic Nigerians and democrats must resume the business of national mobilisation to produce an alternative democratic platform to APC and all the charades of registered political parties. We must summon the courage and believe in the power of possibility.

“Just like we succeeded in pushing the military back to the barracks and defeating the PDP in 2015, it is possible to create a politically viable and truly popular democratically alternative platform that can put the APC in its rightful place and overcome the current extreme right-wing adventurously unplanned leadership of President Asiwaju Tinubu.

“Nigerians must be mobilised to rise above dishonest politicians who only manipulate their way to power and reduce to citizens to the status of conquered people. Democracy will be worthless if the result is only to elect civilian overlords.”

The former Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) said the APC has abandoned its vision and reduced it to a mere platform for winning elections.

“With such reality, it behooves on patriotic Nigerians to return to the trenches of the campaign for democracy and pick up the debris from APC’s failure in the last nine years. In doing so, those of us who have been privileged to rise at different levels of APC’s leadership must do so with absolute humility and recognition of all the factors that have destroyed the APC.

“Perhaps, we need to accept the correctness of the campaign against the APC that many leaders of the party, including former President Buhari and now President Asiwaju Tinubu, only agreed to come together to grab power, which was not associated with the needed commitment to deliver services to address national challenges. Sadly, with the mission to grab power, they ‘promise (everything) and did nothing.

“This challenge begs the question, how do we create a political organising strategy that goes beyond just winning elections or grabbing power? How can we have a party, which if it wins the Presidency, the President, whoever he will be, will be subordinated to the party? How can we create a party in which there will be multiple power blocs and leaders of the party will have the needed capacity to facilitate negotiations and agreements, which will be binding on all members and leaders of the party? How can we have a party that will have the capacity to mobilise all the funds it needs to run the affairs of the party, including funding the elections of all the candidates of the party at all levels? How can organise a party whose leadership at all levels can have the same conditions of service correspondingly with public officers at that level?

“We can go on asking all the valid questions. It will be defeatist to expect anyone to provide the answers. Only those patriotic Nigerians who are ready to return to the trenches of democratic struggles to resume mobilisation and negotiations to move Nigerian democracy beyond the current lethargic state can begin to provide answers to these practical questions.

“The negotiations to produce an alternative political platform, which can move Nigerian democracy forward must prioritise the development of a functional political party structure based on ability to answer some of these practical questions should be the consideration. Part of what must be guarded against to avoid the pitfalls that destroyed the APC is to shun the old opportunistic political warriors who have been serial contestants and aspirants in every election since 1999.”