WHY I CHOSE EYITAYO JEGEDE
by Wándé T. Àjàyí
Of a truth, it wasn't an easy decision. It was like the proverbial Oba's river and the Oba's errand. I was torn between loyalty to my Party, my leaders across all political fronts and to my home, the South. But then in all, I chose none of the three. I chose loyalty to my State.
The incumbent has failed us beyond reasonable doubts and his second coming will be worse than his disastrous first term. There is no point discussing his already over-flogged numerous failings. Chiefs are bastardization of the Abiye Safe Motherhood Scheme, gradual phasing out of the Free Shuttle Bus, devilish increment in tuition of tertiary institutions, absolute neglect of the agriculture sector, incredulous over-taxation of citizens, promotion of conduit pipes masked as white elephant projects, massive corruptionetc. Look, it's only someone who means no well for this State that will want a return of the ineffectual buffoons tenanting in Alagbaka. Sadly, voices from home whispered in my ears to support Akeredolu or just keep mute and let him finish his second term with the hope of handing over to a Southerner but then my conscience reminded me there will be nothing to salvage after an 8 year tenure of these thieves and rogues at the helm. It was a no-no.
It wasn't mysterious that my yearnings for a better South remain resolute in my mind. Aside the fact that I lived all my childhood till early teenage years in the South, the two people I hold dearest resides there. I know for sure that the blossoming of the glory of the South means the Sun of this nobly endowed State will shine again. The South is the key to the development of this State. This is not about being selfish nor nepotic. And it hurts that successive administrations in Ondo State conscientiously neglect the South.
I have had course to argue that only a Southerner Governor will develop the South to the taste I envisaged. But then views do change when you are convinced. The South's claim to power is justifiable and I share their sentiments. However, it is not just any Southerner that can effect the desired transformation. The character currently being laundered from the South has no love lust for the South. Just 3 years ago, while we all agitated for a Southern Governor, he snitched on us all and supported Akeredolu. If he can now reap from the agitations for a Southern Governor, why can't any other else?
Look, I've heard people reply that but people packaged Buhari for us in 2015 despite all of us knowing he had not the capacity to lead the change we all wanted, when I make enquires about the intellectual capacity of the "Southern candidate". Back then, Buhari couldn't even address a rally for two minutes. He even mispronounced his deputy's name, "Osinbade". Yet, they packaged him for us and we all shouted "Sai Baba". The argument is that they want to package a particular candidate for us like some people did Buhari. We all bear the brunt today.
People say politicians tell flimsy tales when they want to justify their decisions but then I am not a politician. I am just someone who believe staying aloof is dangerous. Jegede is not a novice as being portrayed. When you work with an astute administrator like Mimiko, you qualify to be one hell of an administrator yourself. I have heard he was the closest Commissioner to his boss and they both reviewed the landmarks their administration delivered, after other SEC members have gone. Who else is more prepared and won't hit the ground running? He is calm and his calculative demeanor pose well as a good trait of a leader. Ondo needs a listening Governor who is not that a traditional politician. Jegede at 59 looks younger than an average 50 years old Nigerian and is well abreast of a technological driven economy.
Tayọ Jegede has surrounded himself with quality minds. A bridge that I know will tell positively on decision making when he becomes Governor. An all inclusive government as no generation would be left behind. The disposition of the people circling around the incumbent has brought us to nought and we should not let it continue.
The choice for a better Ondo State is in the hands of each and everyone of us. The opportunity for Ondo's sun to shine quite brightly again has presented itself and we must grasp it with all strength, courage and intent as unprecedented development throws its hand up for us. Ondo surely deserves better than what we have, and Eyitayo Jegede will make it better.
Wande writes from Akure, Ondo State.
:)
:(
=(
^_^
:D
=D
|o|
@@,
;)
:-bd
:-d
:p