Kunle ADELABU
– Vows That Ikorodu Will Never Be Taken For Granted Again
“The great enemy of freedom is the alignment of political power with wealth. This alignment destroys commonwealth – that is, the natural wealth of localities and the local economies of household, neighbor, and community – and so destroys democracy, of which the commonwealth is the foundation and practical means”.
With the above quote by Wendell Berry, Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, the Chairman, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) and the former Clerk/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State House of Assembly, announced his withdrawal from the race for the much coveted Lagos East Senatorial seat in the coming general elections.
While making the announcement, he stated:
“I have decided to continue this struggle in my private capacity in order to ensure that Ikorodu division is never taken for granted again in the scheme of things in Lagos State. I hereby announce my withdrawal from the Senatorial race of Lagos East Senatorial District, effective from 8th September, 2018”.
The brilliant technocrat denied the allegation in some certain political quarters that he failed to consult widely before entering the race to represent the people of the Lagos East at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.
In a press release on Monday, September 10, 2018, which was personally signed by the aspirant, he cited attitudes of some political leaders, especially those in Ikorodu, as reason for his withdrawal.
“Experience in the last couple of days shows glaringly that the interest of some of our political leaders lies in self-seeking pecuniary gains. Their attitudes toward our cause in recent time have called for caution and utmost restraint in pursuing our struggle any further.
“The political leaders have chosen to align with familiar faces and their interests myopically should be the interest of others in the community. Their disposition to our cause as party primaries draw near has given us a genuine reason to reconsider our stance and jettison our cause, though this was not envisaged.
“The claim that we did not consult is nothing but balderdash. Some of our leaders don’t want their subordinates within the community to be greater than them.
“Indeed, some of them are on vengeance mission. But no mortal can say Yes where God has said No and vice versa. I must confirm that I have no regret for my political action and promise to continue the struggle of liberation from self- seeking political overlords”.
Tracing how his journey into political journey began, Otunba Abiru stated that he accepted the proposal by some progressive young men to contest for the Senatorial seat.
“A few months ago, some progressive young minds walked into my office, they introduced an idea to me; that after careful deliberations and consultations with well-meaning members of the community, the community has offered to support me for the position of the Senate in the 2019 general elections if I choose to contest.
“I felt humbled and requested for a period of time to ruminate and make consultations with the royal fathers, my friends and family members. However, my community which is so dear to my heart has found me worthy, who am I not to heed the clarion call?
While further explaining that he consulted widely, Abiru stated that he met with major stakeholders in the last few months in his quest to represent the people of the Lagos East Senatorial District.
“The struggle to save Ikorodu division from political oblivion, which is the basis of our campaign, started with consultations with political leaders, traditional institutions, party leaders and the masses within the Lagos East Senatorial District. The aim was to share my objectives and vision for Lagos East Senatorial District.
“We combed the nooks and crannies of Lagos East Senatorial District where I met with the critical stakeholders in each community, political leaders, the youths and members of each community. Their positive responses, their concerns and regrets about the falling standard of representation in the district, motivated me to continue in this cause and pursue the same up to this point of address”.
On the achievements of his campaign team, he stated that he mobilized residents across Ikorodu division for Permanent Voters Card (PVC) registration among others.
“As time passed, we were determined and have designed impactful programmes. We began with our campaign for registration and collection of permanent voters card (PVC) within Ikorodu division because we believe our selling point to be politically relevant is to ensure massive votes for the party’s candidates in the 2019 general elections. We also held series of meetings with party leaders and politicians alike”.
“Politics, as they say, is a game of reality and number. It is a strife for interest masquerading as a contest of principles. Though, these interests swing in different perspectives to each individuals”, he added.
