By Olabode George
•An address delivered at the welcoming of the Convener of Lagos4Lagos, Abdulazeez Olajide Adeniran, and his group to the Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
There are new stirrings everywhere in our nation today. In this season of goodwill, a touch of renewal and rebirth can be perceived in the air. Beyond the usual bustle and gaiety that trail the Christmas season, there is also the feverish movement of partisan activities.
Here in Lagos, our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is welcoming a new infusion of massive decampees from the crumbling All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Mr Abdulazeez Olajide Adediran, popularly called Jandor.
We welcome Mr Adediran and his thousands of followers, who have decided to abandon the sinking and blighted ship of the APC for a renewed, energized, invigorated, forward looking PDP.
Let it be known by all and sundry that the strength of all political parties reside precisely in their population.
The more the merrier. A good political party does not turn people away. It embraces everyone who can contribute to the progress of the party.
The great founder of modern China, Ma Zedong, put it appropriately when he observed in February 1957, in Peking, now called Beijing, during a fiery contention in the communist fold.
Chairman Mao had said, “Let a thousand flowers bloom.“
This is logical, appropriate, valid and genuine, wherever we seek progress and development.
Mao’s ultimate logic is about democratic contention of ideas and the beauty of plural contributions. Ideas must contest. Multiple opinions must be heard. Visions must clash, before we arrive at the compromise of the peace of the round table.
For those of us who are already in the PDP in Lagos, let us welcome the new entrants with warm, open embrace. They are coming to add values to our party.
We know who the enemy is. We know those who are despoiling the riches of our state. We know the man who is carting away N9 billion every 30 days from our collective coffers.
There is no need for unnecessary enmity. There is no need to feel threatened about our new members. We must work together to achieve victory. Everyone will be given a level ground to achieve their aspirations. Politics is always a game of number.
We can only strengthen ourselves when we embrace and encourage those who are joining our team and sincerely work with them to take our state back from the prodigal mis-managers.
I believe our people will troop out in their thousands to welcome Mr Adediran and his followers, when they make their official declaration in January, 2022.
No one should feel threatened about the thousands of people who are joining us. The umbrella is big enough to give us all effective protection and salvaging refuge.
At this juncture, as we will be entering a new season of campaign in the next few months, I will be remissed if I fail to mention the very pivotal new bill presently on the President’s table. The direct primary bill, which was overwhelmingly passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate will not only deepen our democratic process, it will basically remove power from the back-room leaders and hand true power to the people. It is a great opportunity for President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure a great place for himself in the pantheon of our democratic heroes. He should sign this bill and the electronic transfer of result bill.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has already assured Nigerians that they are willing and capable to adopt these innovations. Mr President must never lose this opportunity to reclaim the moral high ground in the history of our nation.
Democracy is about the people’s will, the people’s voice, the collective participation in the guidance of the state. It is never about a privileged few determining the fate of the nation in some secret conclave. No. It is always about open, equitable involvement in governance.
Since the days of the Athenian leader, Cleisthenes, who invented DEMOKRATIA, “the rule of the people,” in 507 BC, democracy has become the greatest symbol of freedom and popular rule throughout the enlightened world. It is always about freedom to choose our leaders and hold them accountable for their actions.
From Athens to Rome, from England to the Stati Uniti – United States – true democracy remains the best hope of man against the ravages of tyranny.
This nation will be on the right path of redemption and genuine harmony when power truly resides in the people. That is now our national challenge to a better, more peaceful and progressive nation. It is our road to liberation from the scourge of bandits, the rampage of terrorists, the savagery of sundry criminals and the recklessness of bullion van pseudo-democrats.
This may be our last opportunity to rebuild a genuine, fair and just nation that generations yet unborn will be proud of. Let Mr President begin that process now. Let him lead this cause. History will be kind to him if he stands with the people. May the good Lord bless our nation and set us on the right path. And may the New Year brighten our national horizon with more prosperity and peace. Amen.
•Chief George, the
Atona Odua of Yorubaland, and former Deputy National Chairman, DNC, South, of the PDP, writes from Lagos.
