By Oseni MOMODU
- Two months ago, some concerned citizens who are APC members paid surprise visit at my residence in Okpella, Edo state. This was during Christmas period. At first, l was bewildered because such visit was unusual, especially given the caliber of persons. In my thought, they had come to discuss some campaign issues with me as usual, may be for publicity or grassroot wise. But l was utterly wrong.
- After pleasantries, one of them stood- “Comrade Embassy Momodu, “congratulations on your successful completion of studies from Nigerian Law School program. We know you may be amazed seeing us as you least expected us in your house today. But the reason we’re here is because of you”. Continuing, the lead speaker said, “we have observed you have been working for APC and its candidates including Pastor Ize Iyamu and Gani Audu ( Edo 2020) during their gubernatorial race. You even founded a support group then- (POI/GANI AUDU VOLUNTEERS AMBADORS)”.
- “You also campaigned for Bola Tinubu, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Rep. Anamero Dekeri and other APC flag bearers for 2023 elections”.
“In 2024 gubernorship election, you prominently campaigned for Governor Monday Okpebholo and he won. Uptil now, you’re neither rewarded nor compensated in any form by any of these our APC leaders. Or, are you not qualified to be Commissioner, House of Assebly Member, or even hold any position at Federal level with your qualifications?. Afterall, you’re well read. Yet, you still samonize loyalty as though, all is well…”. - The visitors took turn one after another, as they frowned over what they called “unfavorable treatment and reward mechanism by the APC”. One striking remark, which perplexed me most came from one of them, a middle class woman- “by the way, how do you even survive, catering for wards?”. This made me reflect in nostalgia.
- Again, their concerns over my perceived delayed political compensation highlights the very essence of dedication and consistency in politics. In my brief response, I thanked them for coming and for showing genuine concern about me. But l remarked thus, “this idea, though very laudable, is better channelled to our leaders. One thing l can assure you is that everything has its timing and accuracy. There’s time to ‘Sow’ and time to ‘Reap’. For me, l’m sowing seeds now through my efforts and that’s my sacred belief.
- Lest they didn’t avert their mind, l featured prominently on the forefront for campaign and election of President Buhari in Lagos, alongside other eminent senior Comrades (Students Wing of the APC Campaign) in 2015. Then, Bourdilon was my frequent pilgrimage in Ikoyi, Lagos, while President Bola Tinubu was APC National Leader.
- Amongst those with whom l regularly maitain contacts with during the campaign were Comrades Hon. Kayode Okpeifa (M.D, Nigeria Railway Corporation); Akim Muri- Okunola, Private Secretary to Tinubu; Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (Chief of Staff to the President); Senator Solomon Olamilekan (Yayi), former Deputy Governor, (now Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule representing Lagos West), Hon. Toyin Suara, former Iba LCDA Chairman (Ojo LGA) in Lagos state, etc.
- Most respectfully to the First Lady of Nigeria, the amiable Senator Oluremi Tinubu is also not left out amongst the personalities l had interface with in the course of my contributions to APC Nigeria in Lagos state through Students Union in LASU. It’s on record and the first lady can confirm this that l championed the cause to grant “SPECIAL STATUS FOR LAGOS STATE” to her office at the Nigerian Senate, Abuja in 2015. This agenda aims to grant special favor to Lagos in terms of national budgetary allocation in cognizance of its human population by the Federal Government. Using farming as a metaphor, I have sowed my seeds and may it yield good harvest.
- ‘… l desire to meet President Tinubu and the First Lady before 2027 elections.’
- I and my team have begun another task again by God’s grace which is tagged: “APC Edo north Senate 2027: Why Adams Oshiomhole Must Be Re-elected As Reward for Stewardship”. This is a man who sacrificed greater part of his life for welfare of Nigerian Workers through active Labour Unionism, wearing only- khaki like military officer. His journey to Kaduna where he began factory job in the then Textile Mills of Nigeria radically shapes his viewpoint. Uncertain about the future and prospect, he took interest in the welfare of workers through Labour Union, simultaneously receiving bashes from military and civilian governments.
- Adams Oshiomhole rose through the ranks of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to the pinnacle where he served 8 years as NLC president. Not knowing he was laying foundation for his prosperity while selflessly working for the interest of Nigerian workers, he soon became a sought-after personality by Action Congress (as it then was) as Governorship material to wrestle power from PDP in 2007.
- As God had decreed, those years of military tear gasing, harassments, frustration, etcetera all for the sake of Nigerian Workers, the former Labour leader was rewarded with the prestigious seat of Governor of Edo state (2008-2012). It was a tortoise battle but it highlights how God rewards hardwork.
- Contrasting this with the concerns from my visitors, my labour for the APC is entirely selfless, hinged on the conviction that one day, ‘the power that be’ would reward my sacrifice for the party.
- Therefore, whatever perceived royalty-treat, veneration, enjoyed by Adams Oshiomhole today in Edo state is a direct reward for long term sacrifices, sharpened by perseverance. With his endorsement for second term, the tone is set for 2027 race for Asiwaju and other electable offices. With this endorsement, no other person is morally qualified to contest Edo north Senate under APC.
- When APC suffered existential threat during the horific days of Obaseki, Oshiomhole stood firm as political evangelist, defending and preaching the gospel of the APC bible before Edo people. He even at some point knelt to appeal to the political gods of the Binis for the sake of APC. How many leaders could condescend to do that!
- As Governor, he propagated doctrinal principle of “one man, one vote” ideology which is still in force today. His stewardship is ubiquitous across the state and micro-economic programs for men and women convinced Edo people, APC is the future. Through his hegemonic instrumentality, the once famous but myopic and arrogant PDP in Edo state (1999-2008) is not only legitimately dethroned by this man called Oshiomhole, the state is now under the effective control of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress. Edo is fully BATIFIED for TINUBU come 2027.
- In conclusion, l humbly submit that the only suitable reward for this celebrated Nigerian Senator and unassuming eminent son of Edo north for these colossal strides is to support his CONTINUITY to be Re-elected for second term. “YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW”. Carry on, Osho-Baba.
~Oseni MOMODU;
LFP, B.A, LL.B writes from Abuja, FCT Nigeria. osenixyz@gmail.com