I saw pictures and some videos from the APC South West meeting held in Lagos some days ago and I must admit that I was worried.
Why won’t any sincere Party man be worried? Why?
My worries increased when I read the Communique released after the said meeting.
I have no issues with the content of the Communique.
My worries arose as a result of my deep reflections about the scenarios at the meeting vis a vis my quip about the particular gains or benefits we, as a Party in Oyo state could point to as take away from the meeting.
I had reasons to feel once again that we are awfully missing Lam Adesina, Abiola Ajimobi and Adebayo Alao Akala.
Must we forever continue to lament about the vacuum created by this men, blaming our predicaments on their demise? I think not. After all, no man lives forever.
As presently constituted, Oyo APC is blessed with a good number of individuals, well equipped to assume Leadership with purpose.
What then is the problem? I will come to that later. Let me conclude my thoughts on the APC South West meeting.
In one of the videos that I saw, it was clearly evident that no representative of Oyo state made the High Table. I don’t know if I’m wrong.
Secondly, I think such a meeting ought to be a good avenue for us to express our pent up dissatisfaction about the continued poor treatment we keep receiving from the Party and the Government but reading through the Communique, I could see what the meeting was all about.
Much more, and this is my personal opinion. It does look like the meeting was convoked to express support for the president beyond 2027.
In Oyo state, I think that is not our number one priority for now. Like I said, this are my personal opinions and I hold on to them tenaciously.
I believe so because the thrift we contributed in 2023, we are yet to collect the dividend. How wise are we to start participating in the contribution of a fresh one?
Our case in Oyo state is clearly different from all the other South West states and I think if we could not demand for the sharing formula for the about to be killed rodent before we begin digging the hole, then something is seriously wrong somewhere.
For me, I think the time for pretext should be over.
We have not been treated well at all. Unfortunately, we keep pretending that all is well and I think that is exactly where the problem is.
If a Father begets six children and is taking care of five, while maltreating one, shouldn’t the one being maltreated call the attention of the father to that effect and if he does, how is that considered a taboo?
I have never seen a time Oyo state is being relegated to the back scene in National politics like now.
The fact that some privileged individuals got fat and juicy appointments as a result of personal relationships with the president doesn’t feel the void created between the Party in Oyo state and Government.
We call ourselves Progressives. I want someone to tell me. No, educate me, that there is anything Progressive in the manner we are being treated presently.
Sadly and fortunately for those kicking us about, we kept pretending that all is well, playing along with a music that the lyrics is alien to us.
I am a firm believer in the benevolence of God and His providence as being enough for me at all time.
As a result of this firm believe, I do not shy away from saying things as they are, no matter who would be uncomfortable with the truth.
The time to say the truth is now.
Moreso, didn’t our Elders say that when you attempted to lean on a particular tree and it couldn’t take your weight, if such a tree falls on you, it won’t kill you? ( Igi ti a feyin ti, ti o gba ni duro, to ba wo lu ni, ko le pa ni).
When there is too much distress for Oloruntoowo, Oloruntoowo will become a rabid dog. ( Bi idaamu ba po fun Oloruntoowo, Oloruntoowo a di aja kaja ni).
Enough is enough.
May we not keep working for others to reap.
The experience of March 28, 2023 are arrowing enough.
The subsequent thrashings should be more than enough for anyone whose dignity means something to.
There is no evil in facing your oppressor and telling him you will take no more.
It is not a matter of pulling down the House. It is a question of equity and fairness.
The president fought the same battle when he declared ” Emi lo kan”.
We all know the background that led to that statement.
I do not see how he will be justified to be angry at another who is toeing the line he once toed.
We can keep promising that we will capture this and that.
Even when they said that, are we sure we are the ” we” in the context?
Like I said, we are the ones who elected to rejoice under undeserved punishments.
It is so sad that in the situation we found ourselves, some still think the way to go is to upset the applecart.
The structures need serious attention and support. Yet, some still feel we should kill it and bring another one.
How does that help us?
Whose interest would that serve? Inordinate personal ambitions?
Haba! Why would anyone take us serious?
We just lost a driver. Thankfully, a new driver is on the seat and we must thank the stakeholders who quickly rallied to see that no void was created.
Shouldn’t we just rally around this new driver and support him to steer the wheel?
If we have suggestions on how to move things forward, make them to the appropriate quarters.
Can we really afford any further bickering in our present situation?
One of the features I love about God is that He will do what He will do regardless of what the world do.
All the presidents in the world can not install anyone as Governor.
Why exactly are we bickering over issues beyond our control?
I have heard people say so and so are closer to the president from Oyo state.
If truly we have such individuals here, the only reasonable assignment before them should be how to ensure that the Leadership of the Party are able to meet the president to register the concerns of Party men in Oyo state.
That is an act that will forever be remembered and cherished.
Even, God Almighty shall reward such individual.
However, hibernating in some cozy offices and leveraging on your closeness to the seat of power to be glorifying your ego doesn’t reflect influence.
It reduces goodwill.
I do not know how someone would claim to be very close to the president and the Party in the state where they person come from would be treated this shabbily and such persons could still close their eyes as normal persons and sleep at nights?
I found no word strong enough to condemn such sadistic ego.
If you have a power and such could not be deployed to help your immediate environment and the larger society, shame on you. If the bread and butter for my daily meals are on your table, throw it to the dogs.
What exactly is wrong with us? The circumstances that made Yahaya Bello Governor in Kogi state ought to have ministered to us all.
If you’re closer to the president, use your position to facilitate the repositioning of the Party in such a way that the Leaders of the Party get their deserved recognitions. Not to add to the already tensed situation. When you do that, we will all clap for you.
It is God and Him alone who determines the fates of men.
I am convinced you can not determine mine. That is why I could say the truth.
Oyo APC will survive.
SOLA ABEGUNDE.
