Prevent political anarchy in Ogun, group advises Amosun

An ethnic group based in Canada has enjoined the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to do all within his capacity to prevent political anarchy and ensure peace reign in the state.
The group, Olumo Progressive Association Canada Inc, said that the ominous signs of fracas within Amosun’s party, the All Progressive Congress, in the last few days was worrisome and should be immediately nipped in the bud.
The advice was contained in a congratulatory letter sent to the governor by the association to felicitate with him on his 56th birthday.
The letter was signed by the association’s President, Chief ‘Femi Shodunke.
According to the association, Amosun should play a fatherly role to not only the feuding members of the APC, but all the political parties in the state.
The association, which comprises of Egba and Yewa indigenes in Canada, however, commended the governor on the landmark achievements recorded within two years in office.
The body told the governor: “There is no doubt about it that today is indeed one, if not the most, of the joyous moments in your life.  It is a glorious day that you added another year to your existence on the surface of the earth.  And it is marvellous in our eyes as your creator, the Almighty Allah continue to spare your life.
“Mr. Governor Sir, because it is a special and momentous day in not only in your life but the entire Amosun family of Owu Kingdom in Egbaland, Ogun State, we members of the prestigious Olumo Progressive Association Canada Inc. hereby congratulates you on this splendid day.
“We identify with you, your family and the entire people of Ogun State as you mark this day on the saddle as the Governor of our dear state, often called Gateway State.  We pray for good health, long life, prosperity and abundant blessings and Solomonic wisdom for you at this moment, particularly as you paddle the canoe of the Gateway State to enviable height.
“However, we cannot pretend to be oblivious of the giant strides that had taken place in Ogun State since your assumption of office on May 29, 2011as the number one citizen.  Our association do not need to bother listing them for you, as being the initiator you have the list of the superlative feat in your records, which many have described as awesome and unparalleled within two years in office and the history of our state.
“Having said all of the above, we must note that the recent developments in our dear state call for concern and your utmost attention to ensure the peace our people have been enjoying in the state is not truncated, even for the worse.
“Mr. Governor Sir, you will recall that on January 9, 2014 suspected thugs unleashed mayhem at the Leme, Abeokuta Secretariat of All Progressive Congress (APC), your political party, where journalists and several others were attacked and injured during the so-called inauguration of the APC’s harmonisation committee.
“Also, on January 16, 2014 the stakeholders’ parley of Senator Gbenga Obadara, who is representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was disrupted, also by suspected thugs.”
The Canada-based body stated that the crises were “acts that often precipitate humongous violence, which we are pleading with you to guide against, specifically not to rubbish your lofty achievements in our often peaceful state.”
It explained further: “While we read and noted the content of your letter to Senator Obadara and subsequent response by NASS members, but there are worrying signals, going by the strong language and tone embedded therein, that the battle lines may have been drawn which could lead to unnecessary feud.
“And this could finally lead to political implosion that is likely to threaten the peace and heat up the political landscape, and other socio-economic and commercial activities, of our noble state.”
The association maintained further: “Sir, you must avoid the tension these developments are creating ahead of 2015 elections.  As a witness to previous political crises and shenanigans against you, specifically in your former party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), you should know better.  And your assumption to office wasn’t accentuated due to political violence or thuggery, but by the vote of the people.
“However, let us remind you that these pockets of mayhem were precursors to similar crises that engulfed your preceding PDP government leading to disarray, the lessons of which are bitter on the lips of the players today.  Therefore, do all within your politically administrative ambit, particularly as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to ensure peace reign in Ogun State, even as you are in the mood celebrating your 56th birthday anniversary.
“Finally, it is only in peace that the people of Ogun State can cooperate with you and your administration, and enjoy the dividends of democracy under your APC government,” OPAC said.  “Therefore, play a fatherly role to all feuding members, not only in your party, but other political parties in the state.  This is how peace can reign supreme in our dear state.  In this regard, we wish you all the best as you mark your birthday today.  Once again, congratulations Mr. Governor.”