Posted by Politicians in Ogun State could not help but wonder when Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun launched his re-election campaign last week in front of a record-breakingly large crowd in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of the state, promising not to slow down on his developmental efforts. The governor and the campaign train traveled through the communities of Afon, Ilara, and Imeko while being accompanied on the campaign tour by All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains led by Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of the state. The governor was met by a sizable crowd eager to help him realize his dream of serving a second term. After raffle drawings, partygoers received various household products and empowerment tools, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun vowed to keep keeping his election pledges to the letter while also asking for support through voting. He told the populace that his administration was prepared to reconstruct the Abeokuta-Afon route and other problematic roads within the local government area, despite the fact that he had already built a number of roads in Yewaland. “I will start the reconstruction before the election is over to help this area’s socioeconomic development,” he declared. In the allotted time, we rebuilt Oke-Ola Road here. We have been working on our projects quietly, and we won’t stop trying to make our employees happy. Since we took office, we have built at least one road for each local government. The last time we saw something like that was under Chief Olusegun Osoba’s rule. We won’t stop trying to do more for the state’s citizens. I strongly advise getting your Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) so you can vote in the elections. The collecting period ends on January 15th. For continuity, please encourage one another to actively participate in the electoral process.
As for Osoba, he was ecstatic to be returning to Imeko-Afon, saying that his government had brought electricity to the area. “During my time, I brought electricity to the entire region, so I’m glad to be back. I’m returning home at this time. Governor Abiodun is following my advice after I instructed him to. Let’s vote for him and all of the APC candidates because I am confident in his abilities.
It was not by chance that Governor Abiodun launched his re-election campaign in Yewaland and on such a triumphant note. He has significantly improved the lives of the Ogun electorate over the past three and a half years, and the euphoria was not at all contagious. Yewaland has also always had a special place in Governor Abiodun’s heart because it is essential to the state’s industrial and business climate, which the governor has worked hard to promote. But you can’t help but wonder if it’s all a dream when you hear Governor Abiodun and the candidates from other political parties campaigning in an atmosphere of harmony and peace. There was a time when warlords in the state controlled politics, and a brief look back at Prince Abiodun’s campaign four years ago will indeed demonstrate that power belongs to God. Things weren’t always this calm and sunny. Abiodun first expressed interest in leading his home state four years ago, but the authorities resisted him vehemently. His billboards were taken down, his posters all around The Gateway State were torn to pieces, and his supporters, who could be distinguished by their yellow shirts, were brutally attacked and injured.
When President Muhammadu Buhari visited the state as part of a campaign tour, the situation was so terrible that the event was disrupted and stones were thrown at him. The president and his group felt humiliated as they departed the podium at the MKO Abiola stadium in Abeokuta. It was a humiliating display that won’t be quickly forgotten. The same Dapo Abiodun who was constantly hounded is now going around the state unmolested and in charge of the official accoutrements in the state. In contrast to what occurred during the previous campaign season, he is running his campaign without any molestation. By this point, it should be obvious that one of the defining characteristics of his administration is that instead of seeking retribution, he makes use of every tool at his disposal to maintain Ogun State’s political system.
Before he entered the picture, Ogun was one among Nigeria’s political hotspots. Violence, assaults, and even assassinations characterized election seasons. Political thugs supported by the state were in charge, inflicting violence on the opposition and destroying everything in their path. Fortunately, all of these things are now history. Ogun politics now have a fresh facet thanks to Governor Abiodun. He has attempted to show that elections can be won without killing and maiming, by removing opponents’ billboards, and by making sure that alternative voices are not heard. The campaigns of the opposing parties are conducted without any molesting. Unsurprisingly, the tranquil environment has led to a lot of construction, including high-quality roads and airports. A number of projects have been completed during the past three and a half years, including the Agro-Allied Airport, the revitalized Olokola Free Trade Zone, and several companies that are sprouting up around the state.
As he walks around, Governor Abiodun is describing to the populace what he has accomplished throughout his first tenure as a promise keeper. He has received recognition for his work on projects spanning senatorial districts and his investment drive from local and international organizations, as well as from the federal government, which recently gave him an award for his accomplishments in infrastructure and praised his ICT initiative to other governors across the nation. Really, the lesson is that he has faced every obstacle calmly and has kept his attention firmly fixed on bringing the benefits of democracy to the people of Ogun. He was denounced at rallies hosted by his predecessor across the state, but he refrained from entering the fray, arguing that he was elected to improve conditions in Ogun State, not to wage war. It is obvious that our people should take note of the fact that he did not proclaim his predecessor persona non grata. According to him, only God can bestow power, which is not accompanied by any suffering, and it should be used wisely as a means to make everyone happy, including the doubters. The calm in Ogun State will appeal to all peace-lovers.
Branco provides this article via funmibranco@naver.com.