Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Prince Dapo Abiodun is on a campaign tour of the three senatorial districts. At an interactive session with labour leaders in Abeokuta, the state capital, he spoke on the succession battle and his programmes for the Gateway State. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.
Hope is on the horizon. That was the message that oozed out of the mouth of Prince Dapo Abiodun, governorship candidate of the Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) to workers during an interactive session with labour leaders at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) secretariat, Abeokuta, the capital.
“My government will bring a relief to workers. I want to emphasise that our party is a progressive one and a progressive family will be anti-labour. We will not disappoint you,” he said.
In Ogun, civil servants, teachers and local government workers are politically conscious. They form a critical voting population which a candidate can only ignore to his peril. They are also crucial to the success of any administration.
The campaign train was actually led to the NLC office on Abiola Way, Abeokuta by the former governor, elder statesman Aremo Olusegun Osoba.
With Abiodun and Osoba were other party leaders and chieftains, including Abiodun’s running mate, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Director-General (DG), Dapo Abiodun Campaign Organisation (DACO), Prince Segun Adesegun; Dr Femi Majekodunmi, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Senetor Adegbenga Kaka, Pa Mufutau Ajibola, Mr Samuel Aiyedogbon, Abiodun Akinlade, Mr Femi Allen, former Ogun Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Afolabi Shuaib, Alhaja Faida Akinjide, ex-Ogun Sports Commissioner Afolabi Afuape, House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Kunle Oluomo, Mr Samuel Durojaiye, Mrs Nike Osoba, Mr Femi Olori, and Mr Tunji Akinosi.
Abiodun promised to review the cases of the sacked NLC Chairman, Comrade Akeem Ambali, and 15 members. He also promised to reverse the suspension of 19 Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) officials by the state government two years ago.
The flag bearer promised to preside over an all-inclusive government. The theme of his campaign: ‘Building our future together, was thrilling to workers. Urging the workers to vote for him, he said their efforts will not be in vain, if elected.
Abiodun said: “Let me highlight here, extracts from our manifesto that are specific to our commitment to improving the welfare of Ogun State workers. They are the establishment of Ministry of Labour and Productivity to effectively engage workers and improve productivity and welfare; improvement of teachers’ welfare to put them at par with their private sector counterparts; restructuring of the contributory pension scheme and inauguration of State and Local Government Pension Boards; empowerment of and strengthening of the Local Governments so they can carry out their statutory functions; review and restoration of the roles and responsibilities of Public Service as implementation engine of government policies; and continuous capacity building and provision of conducive work environment and tools.”
The flag bearer said his government will also introduce performance-based incentives in public service, prioritize prompt payment of salaries, remittance of global deductions and gratuities for retirees, and develop affordable Labour Estates for workers in different parts of the state.
Abiodun acknowledged the growing cynicism and disbelief about promises made by candidates. He said: “This mistrust is not unexpected, given the experiences of Ogun State workers and the electorate in general over the years. However, in addition to personal values that underpin all my endeavours, I always keep at the back of my mind that if my teacher-parents had not been treated fairly and with dignity by government of their time, I may not be where it has pleased God to place me today, not to talk of vying for the governor of a state. Therefore, I regard my promises as sacred and solemn commitments that must be pursued with sincerity and vigour.”
The flag bearer promised to halt the delay in salary payment. He saod the arrears of salaries will be paid. He also said a government/labour committee will be set up for the periodic review and evaluation of implementation of agreed actions.
He added: “Ogun State is at a critical point in its 43 years of existence. It is time to go to the polls to elect a new governor and I’m hopeful that with the help of God and the overwhelming support of our people, I will have the opportunity to be the fifth democratically elected Governor.
“I will build on the strong foundation and successes of all my predecessors while learning from and avoiding their missteps. The support of Ogun State workers is very crucial in this journey not just because of your numbers, but because of your influence in the society and the credible voice you represent. Therefore, I request and trust I can count on your support and that of your affiliates, friends, associates and families in my quest to be the next Governor of Ogun State on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Osoba is optimistic that Abiodun will succeed Amosun on May 29. He said APC will produce a governor that has listening ears.
He added:”We will set up a committee beyond the MOU that was signed today. The committee will comprise of those who have served in various capacities in the state government, look at the monthly internally generated revenue, how much are being owed and other things. We will have a fact – finding committee that will comprise both the government and the workers.
“So, we will engage you, labour unions, so that when Abiodun is sworn in on May 29, he would have the records and hit the ground running.
“Let me remind you, when I assumed office in 1999 as the executive governor of the state, our administration looked at the records we inherited and we engaged in series of discussions with the labour leaders. Through that, we were able to defray outstanding backlogs, though not at once, but in tranches.
“As we did between 1999 and 2003, we will cooperate with workers. We will replicate the same when Abiodun gets into office, beginning from May 29, 2019. I am sure that our party, APC, will win the forthcoming Presidential election. Our governor is of the APC and he should be able to talk to the President and get what is due to the state.
“I want to seize this opportunity to empathize with you on your pains and travails in almost eight years. Soon, a new dawn will set in. I am assuring you, that Dapo Abiodun will neither disappoint nor offend you.”
Osoba said too many political appointees is a waste of money and promised that the APC will not repeat the mistake.
“I am here to testify as the father of Mr Governor and to be his guarantor”, he added.
The NLC Chairman, Comrade Akeem Ambali, described Abiodun as a topmost contender in the governorship contest.
He assured that very soon, there will be a total change that will beckon a new dawn. The governorship election, Ambali said, is a payback time for a new song to be sung in the state.
He added: “The APC government in the state laid us off from active service, our contributory pensions are being withheld, and our promotions are being delayed. These forthcoming general elections are our payback time. We could not imagine that someone could just woke up from sleep and say he has sacked the state workers. March 2 governorship election beckons to sing a new song. “After darkness comes sunshine”.
“Shortly after our sack, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), elders with grey hairs, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, begged those in authorities to reinstate us, but they rebuffed every entreaty.
“We want dialogue with the government from time to time and they should tell us the true position of things.
“In Ogun State, all we need is ring road in Abeokuta, the state capital, to link other parts of the metropolis.
Also, emphasis should be on rural development to stem urban congestion, crimes and others.
“What are the sins of Agbara people in Ogun West district?
Our budget in Ogun State is sophisticated to stimulate economic development and employment generation. What is the government doing about employment generation through Olokola refinery project? Why are our council chairmen and councilors being impoverished through the cut of their salaries and other benefits which is unlike during the immediate past administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel? What is wrong with sports and tourism sectors?
“The next government in the state should strengthen local government administration so that council chairmen can embark on capital projects.
We want payments of of our cooperative deductions, gratuities and pensions.”
Abiodun later visited Ewekoro Council in Ogun West District. He paid homage to the Onitori of Itori. The monarch, Oba AbdulFatai Akorede Akamo, Olu of Itori, admonished other traditional rulers in the local council to ensure their subjects cast their votes for no other political party than All Progressives Congress (APC).
The monarch who said Amosun has done his best, added that Ogun State needs a governor that will perform beyond peoples’ expectations.
The traditional ruler commended President Muhammad Buhari for all what he has done in Nigeria and Ewekoro local government in particular.
“People call him “Baba go-slow” and he gave them us railway and cargo airport in Ewekoro local government! We want him to remain “go-slow” because he is nice to us Ogun state. Slow and steady wins the race!”
In his response, Abiodun assured the people of Itori and Oluke-Orile, both in Ewekoro local government, that Dangote Cement factory will return to the area and commence work.
He said his administration would make life better for the citizens, by giving them dividends of democracy across all the nooks and crannies of the state.
Also, when he took his campaign train to Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area (LGA) and Yemoji Local Council Development Area (LCDA), on Monday, January 21, 2019, Abiodun admonished party faithfuls and supporters to be wary of the antics of politicians who are using the good name of the party to deceive them for their selfish ambition, just as the forthcoming general elections are approaching.
He said though some selfish political office seekers may have used the good name of APC to get into positions of authority and performed below expectations, he urged that that should not be used as a yardstick to measure all politicians.
While addressing APC members and supporters at Isiwo, in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, on Monday, as parts of his ward-to-ward campaign tour of all the 20 local governments, the APC governorship candidate promised that a new dawn is beckoning on all sons and daughters of the state, if he emerged as the next governor.
According to him, “don’t be deceived by some politicians that have gone out on the prowl, knocking at your doors to bring out your Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to take the numbers on them and then, offer you money.
“And we can’t be in the same party and we will be making the same mistakes. No! It is not possible. These sets of politicians are not real. APC is the party. Broom is the symbol of our party. In all the elections, make sure you cast your votes for the APC.
“Buhari isn’t in another party but in APC. His Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is our son and we should use our votes to promote him so that he (Osinbajo) can know that his kinsmen are solidly behind him.
“I want to use this occasion to reiterate my commitment to ensuring that I bring my vast experience in the private sector to bear in governance if I emerge as the governor of the state”, Abiodun promised.
Responding to the requests of Oba Sikiru Salisu, and Council of Baales, Abiodun promised to help them in rehabilitating the 15 kilometre road stretching from Ijebu-Ode through Yemoji/Odo-Ladenusi/Oko-Ako/Odo-Lofa and to Isiwo; the construction of a culvert linking the various communities; renovation of both public primary and secondary schools; energizing the transformers; provision of pipe-borne water; among others.
Earlier, former APC Ogun East Senatorial district chairman, Alhaji Folorusho Elias, had expressed appreciation for the visit of Abiodun as part of his campaign tour, saying it would afford him an on-the-spot assessment of the deplorable road conditions and other amenities that are begging for attention for the benefit of the inhabitants of the communities.
He said the monarch, his subjects and the entire inhabitants have decided to speak with one voice and cast their votes for the candidature of Dapo Abiodun and the APC as a party.
“When you get into office help us reconstruct our road from Yemoji through Agboju. Also, help us reconstruct the only culvert linking our various communities. Our unemployed youths are there and we want your government to empower them. We have untapped large expanse of land, should you need them to set up businesses for our youths”, said the octogenarian.
Party stalwarts at the meeting included the Director-General (DG), Dapo Abiodun Campaign Organisation (DACO), Prince Segun Adesegun, Sen Gbenga Obadara, former Ogun SUBEB Chairman, Mr Mufutau Ajibola, Chief Bode Mustapha, former Ogun Sports Commissioner, Mr Afolabi Afuape, Hon Ganiyu Hamzat, Ijebu-Ode House of Assembly candidate, Aare Kemi Oduwole, Pa Olu Agemo, among others.
At Ikoti, in Yemoji LCDA, the APC governorship candidate promised to ensure that the Olokoola free trade zone becomes a reality if and when he gets into office.
He said his administration will be business friendly through the provision of an enabling environment where the people of the state can take its economic advantage.
According to Abiodun, the Olokoola deap sea port will be given priority in order to cater for the unemployed youths.
He said the Olokoola free trade zone happens to be the deepest seaport but unfortunately that opportunity has not been exploited .
“The economic importance of this project is our priority and when I become governor, I will bring investors to partner with Ogun state government. And that will have multiplier effects on the state economy. I will make it easy for investors to come and invest in Ogun state- both local and international investors. I know how to do it, because I come from the private sector.”
Owu-Ijebu community, in Ijebu East Local Government Area, is not left alone.
Abiodun’s ambition received a significant boost as the Owu people, in their hundreds, declared their support for his candidature.
During a rousing reception organised for him, spokesperson of the community, the Atunluse of Owu Ijebu Kingdom, Otunba Femi Adewunmi, noted that the entire members of the community were throwing their weight behind the Abiodun in view of his vast experience in the private sector which is a clear testimony that he is capable of bringing his experience to bear at taking the economy of the state to a greater heights if he emerged as the governor.
He said:”Our in-coming governor, I want to gladly tell you that the people of Owu-Ijebu Kingdom are solidly behind you and we would influence all our other kinsmen across the State to do same. This is because we have seen you as an experienced business man who has been successful in his businesses and it won’t be difficult for you to take this State to greater heights’.
He added: “we are assuring you of our maximum support with our resources to ensure you emerge victorious with our votes in this local government, and the state at large. We are urging you to make sure you fulfill most of your electoral promises and give a new lease of life to the people of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large”.
The APC candidate assured them of good governance and even distribution of government projects across the board in the state when he becomes governor.
He said: “I want to sincerely appreciate you for this colorful reception and it is an indication that God is truly with us on this project. I also want to assure you that your support will not be taking for granted and we will ensure that this is reciprocated through provisions of good governance that will enhance good lives for, both dwellers in the urban and rural areas of the State.
Earlier, the campaign train which moved round the local government from Ijebu-Imushin to J4 to Ebute Odo to Ogbere and Itele before the grand finale at Ijebu Ife.
The people of the local government area were enthusiastic and show their readiness to support the candidate.
However, the support became obvious at Itele-Ijebu where market women and men, and artisans of the local government promised to throw their weight behind the APC governorship candidate.
Also during the week, it was a matter of who the cap fits. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), an illustrious son of Remoland, took no one by surprise as he led the campaign tour of Abiodun to all the three local governments that make up Remoland. Shortly after paying homage to Remo traditional rulers in 33 communities led by the Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of the Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the VP who campaigned for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-electionn, also seized the occasion to campaign for Abiodun as the Ogun State APC governorship candidate in Sagamu, Ikenne, Ilishan, Isara, Iperu, Ode-Remo, Ogere and other adjourning communities.
Spokesperson, Remoland sons and daughters, Otunba Adeleke Adeshina, adduced reasons for the town hall meeting. He said it was organised as a rallying point to drum up support for the joint ticket re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari/Yemi Osinbajo and the election of Dapo Abiodun as Ogun State governor.
“Three local governments that make up Remoland under the leadership of the Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, 33 towns being represented by their respective Obas, professionals and all business communities have put this town hall meeting together for the cause of our son, Vice – President Yemi Osinbajo.
“Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is our son and he is from Ikenne, here in Remoland.
“So, we are here to drum up our support for President Muhammadu Buhari cause and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo”, said Adeleke. By the grace of God, on February 17, we will all sing songs of celebration after their reelection” he conculded .
