RIGHTS AND FREEDOM ADVOCATES (RIFA) CAUTION OGUN STATE POLITICAL GLADIATORS AGAINST CELEBRATING SHAME, EMBARRASSMENT
The visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Ogun State on 11th February 2019 as part of the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential campaign for 2019 elections could be described to have the worst despicable experience in the South-western states the President visited in his presidential campaign tour.
The fact remains that the political gladiators in Ogun State ruling party deliberately mismanaged the President’s visit with their vent of vengeance on one another and zeal for demonstration of supremacy.
The situation at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta where the President was embarrassed with uncultured attitude while he was speaking could have best described Ogun State as Gateway to rudeness and embarrassment but for good people that still abide in the State.
The Rights and Freedom Advocates (RIFA) were perturbed by the ridiculous act of the few misled crowds who could have honoured the President with decorum but chose indecency.
In the meantime, the crowd was strategically placed in front of the President to express resentment on his unintentional raising hand of a candidate.
That moment witnessed the crowd throwing pebbles on the podium while the President was standing.
What an affront to the President of Nigeria! What would the ruling party have done if opposition party had done that to the President?
However, the security operatives who have been well informed of the volatile political situation in the state ruling party quickly saved the nation from further embarrassment.
There was no gain saying the fact that there is crisis in the state ruling party leading to breakaway faction.
Although at the campaign, the President was diplomatic in saving the day by saying people should vote him and vote other contestants of their choice but the President was misled by some political gladiators to do what would create tension in the land after President and those people might have left.
But the President who is the father of all, ought to have completely remained diplomatic in his affair in the state having been well informed of the situation in the land.
If anything happens after their exit, they would definitely call the governor as the Chief Security Officer of the State but they too must also be aware that they destroy the peace of the State with their actions and so should be held liable jointly for any security breakdown
To the political supporters of various candidates, be cautious in your actions as the candidates are given special security while none of their supporters enjoy such in case of eventualities.
Why then do you need to attack one another over those people who would not remember you when they renegotiate their power sharing formula?
The ruling party as well as the other political parties should have a rethink to ensure peace before, during and after the 2019 elections in order to avoid bloodshed in the land.
Oyinlola was once the opponent of Aregbesola but the duo were later political allies while some of their supporters had lost their souls while defending them.
Ajimobi and Akala were once political enemies but they later became political confidants while some of their supporters had been sent to great beyond.
Check clearly, none of the political gladiators do attack themselves in public except on rare occasions because they know they pursue similar goals which would be settled within twinkle of eyes when they have national cake to share.
Therefore, RIFA urge political parties supporters to remain calm, conduct their electioneering campaigns with honour cum dignity and limit their love for candidates to discussion and not assault in order to make their candidates sellable to the public
Luqman Soliu
President,
Rights and Freedom Advocates (RIFA)
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