Sunday Olugbenga Abire
Governor Aiyedatiwa sauntered majestically at the APC Secretariat in Abuja to receive the Certificate of Return after being declared the winner in the just concluded primary election. Like in sport, Governor Aiyedatiwa only came forward as the captain of the team to receive the certificate on behalf of the fifteen other teammates who fought hard to get it. No winner, no loser. The party won against strife, chicanery, disunity and rancour.
The lifting of the certificate signaled an end to division within the rank and file of the party. It automatically shows that the leaders are on the same page for the love of the party. It is a perfect symbolism for unity, inclusion and love. The deliberate choice of the broom as the party’s logo tells another story of unity without which nothing can be achieved. In addition, the name Aiyedatiwa, the captain who took the certificate on behalf of others is in consonance with joint ownership. Everyone is important. Nobody is insignificant.
However, one fundamental reason people appear clannish and primordial in choosing political leaders is the fear of being neglected and short-changed. Political history has taught us that it is an error of confidence that one’s kinsman will represent better. We have numerous examples of sons and daughters of the soil in positions of authority that never benefitted their people directly. We have seen total strangers do well for those who they didn’t share any commonality. In fact, strangers sometimes do better than family members.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has practically vanished our doubts by his purposeful leadership. He has allayed our fear by being sensitive to the plights of all. As a party man, his love for all is evident in the deliberate and unprecedented appreciation of all party executives and leaders in the 203 wards of Ondo State. In an unusual manner, Governor Aiyedatiwa made history by setting all party executives on a pedestal of reward. With him, those who pilot the affairs of the party at all levels are no longer pawns but are adequately rewarded and respected. They fly high today. They sing a new song true to the promise of the Governor to foster inclusion.
What else are we looking for? How else do we make serious progress if not in the donation of our individual strength? Every member, no matter their status, is important to the victory that the party seeks in November. Since it is no longer winners take all, the future of every member is guaranteed and their interest protected.
Dear party members, it is time to come together in order to achieve more for our party. The founding fathers of our great party didn’t make mistake for choosing the broom as the symbol of our party. They knew the importance of unity as well as the pains of division. They recognized the strength of the broom only when they are bounded together in love. We must take a cue from such display of wisdom by our founding fathers.
Assuredly, Governor Aiyedatiwa understands the tendencies and interests in the party and how to affectionately right the wrongs at all levels. It is no time to be paranoid. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will represent all fairly and in the fear of God.
Congratulations to APC in Ondo state. This flag is flying for us all. The Certificate of Return is the emblem of our unity as party faithful.
Peoplesmind
