Traditional ruler, Political associates celebrate MOSHADEK at 63

TRADITIONAL RULER, POLITICAL ASSOCIATES CELEBRATE MOSHADEK AT 63
Associates of the House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-otin federal constituency, Chief Moshood Adekunle Oluawo have rejoiced with the ace politician on the occasion of his 63rd birthday.

Also, the Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye Oyedeji 11 has hailed Oluawo on the feat attained in the last 63 years, describing the astute politician who is also the Apesin of Iba land as a blessing to humanity.

Oluawo, popularly called De MOSHADEK turned 63 on Friday and the birthday was celebrated low key with an early morning prayer organized by his associates at his private residence in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State.

Islamic clerics who prayed at the prayer session lauded the philanthropic gesture of Oluawo and counseled him to continue with his philanthropic gesture as there are rewards for such.

The clerics prayed for long life and good health for Oluawo and encouraged him to continue with his contributions to humanity.

Also, political associates of Oluawo including the caretaker chairmen of Ifelodun North Local Council Development Authority, Eweta and that of Ifelodun North Area Office, Hon Adeniyi Olaniyan and Princess Fausat Atoba respectively lauded the contributions of Oluawo to their political achievements.

The duo appreciated Oluawo for being a fearless politician, a thorough bread, administrator and a brave leader who detest cheating.

They urged the people of the Ifelodun/Boripe/ Odo-otin federal constituency to support Oluawo in his desire to represent the consistency in the House of Representatives.

Others who spoke glowingly about Oluawo included the Councilor representing ward 02, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon Odedele Iyabo, the Councilor ward 07, Hon Razaq Lowoori and that of ward ward 03, Hon Kilani Olayinka.

They all attributed their success in politics to the support given to them by Oluawo.

Akire of Ikire-Ile mourns Tafa Balogun

AKIRE OF IKIRE-ILE MOURNS TAFA BALOGUN

The Akire of Ikire-Ile in Olaoluwa Local Government Area of Osun State Ọba AbdulAzeez Olatunbosun Adebamiji has mourned the demise of former Inspector General of Police, Mr Tafa Balogun.

The monarch who extolled the virtues of the late Police boss, commiserated with the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun Bibire and the people of Ila on the death of the former IGP.

He said the late Polie chief assisted many while on earth, saying that those who came across him during his sojourn on earth.

His words “I was never privileged to meet Tafa Balogun one on one before his demise, but by virtue of living in Ila-Orangun and interacting with his people for more than a decade, I can attest to his sterling qualities of humility, generosity and undiluted commitment to community development.

“Mustafa Adebayo Balogun rose to the position of Inspector General of Police (IGP) and was never power intoxicated. Despite his position or rank in the Nigeria Police Force, he was amiable and respectful. Tafa Balogun was a foremost son of Igbomina that is fantastically generous.

“This is evident in so many testimonies of the people of Ila-Orangun on how he impacted positively in their lives. He assisted quite a good number of sons and daughters of Ila-Orangun to secure Federal government appointment particularly in the NPF, Military and other paramilitary agencies. His empowerment drive cuts across all categories of people irrespective of political or religious beliefs.

“The former IGP was a builder, not a destroyer! His commitment to community development propelled him to facilitate Police College to his hometown, Ila-Orangun. His immense contribution led to the completion of the new ultramodern Ila-Orangun Central Mosque.

“It is on record that the former IGP, Tafa Balogun supervised the dismantling of the dreaded Okija Shrine where disgruntled elements traded in human parts during the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo. He facilitated the promotion of quite a good number of Police officers in history and equally recruited the highest number of able bodied young men into the Nigeria Police Force.

“Tafa Balogun lived a purposeful life and will live forever in the hearts and minds of his people. Even his adversaries knew that he was a very nice person.

“I commiserate with the Alayeluwa Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedotun, Bibiire I, the Orangun of Ila-Orangun; the former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande; the immediate and extended family of Tafa Balogun as well as the good people of Ila-Orangun on the transition of their illustrious son. May the Almighty Allâh give them the mental strength to bear the irreparable loss.

“I wish to meet with Tafa Balogun, not on the planet earth, but in Paradise (Al-Jannah)! He has his shortcomings, so does everyone of us. May Allâh, Subhânahu Wa Taa’la forgive his shortcomings, overlook his sins, reward him abundantly for his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Fridaouz,” he added.

Birthday anniversary: Akinleye extols Hon. Sunday Bisi’s leadership quality, says he’s political juggernaut

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY: AKINLEYE EXTOLS HON. SUNDAY BISI’S LEADERSHIP QUALITY, SAYS SHE’S POLITICAL JUGGERNAUT

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Chieftain in Osun state, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye has described the Director General of Adeleke Campaign Organization and the Vice Chairman of Governor Elect, Ademola Adeleke transition committee, Hon. Sunday Bisi as a political juggernaut whose political pedigree could not be qualified just as he congratulate him on his birthday anniversary.

Akinleye in a congratulatory message issued and personally signed described the political sagacity of Hon. Sunday Bisi as one of the veritable tools that earned PDP resounding victory in the just concluded governorship election in the state.

According to him, Bisi has demonstrated his capacity and passion for good leadership , the result of which provided the governor elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

He described him as competent political guru whose charisma of effective communication skill, transparency, humility, emotional intelligence, accountability, creativity and innovation, empathy, delegation and empowerment entrenched in day to day runnings of the largest political party, PDP in the state.

He said, “As you celebrate the anniversary of your birth today, it is my prayers that your leadership will continue to unite the party and bring many more victories to its candidates in all future elections. I congratulate you once again and wish you long life and prosperity., Happy birthday to you sir, accept my heartfelt wishes from me and my family.

Action Alliance has no case against Tinubu, INEC – National chairman

ACTION ALLIANCE HAS NO CASE AGAINST TINUBU, INEC – NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje has declared that the party has no case against the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his running mate, Kazeem Shetima and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Specifically, Omoaje in a statement issued on Friday dispelled the news in a section of the media that the party has dragged Tinubu, Shetima and INEC before an Abuja High Court over alleged double nomination by the APC presidential candidate and his running mate.

He said the party under his leadership has not instituted any litigation against the APC presidential standard bearer or his running mate, saying that the news filtering in the social media and some online platforms were not known to him and his members.

Omoaje alleged that some disgruntled elements who had already been expelled by the party were behind the news with the aim of causing confusion and crisis.

“Our attention has been drawn to a news story in some online media platforms that the Action Alliance has instituted legal action against Tinubu, Shetima and INEC over alleged double nomination by Tinubu and Shetima.

“Nothing could be farther from the truth than this baseless and unfounded news, as such only exist in the anals of the minds of those behind it. For us in the Action Alliance, we didn’t institute any legal action against the APC presidential candidate or his running mate, neither do we contemplate such action.

“However, we suspect that some enemies of our party who have already been expelled from the party are behind the rumour, because that is their trade in stock. But we shall not allow them ruin the party or spoil its name and integrity,” Omoaje added

The AA leader noted that there was never a time the issue was raised or discussed at any level of the party, stressing that the party is focusing its attention on the forthcoming general elections and not on any other issue.

He reminded the public that Messrs Kenneth Udeze and James Vernibe who have always impersonated as National Chairman and Secretary of the party had since been expelled from the party and have no moral or legal right to either speak on behalf of the party or represent it at any level, let alone instituting any legal matter on behalf of the party.

He warned those fanning the ember of discord within the party to desist from such act or face the wrath of the law, as the leadership of the party would not hesitate to take legal actions on such individuals or elements either within or outside the party.

Hon. Wole Oke Congratulates Osun Governor-Elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke

The Lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke has congratulated the Osun Governor-Elect in Saturday July 16 gubernatorial election, saying the victory was divine.


Hon. Oluwole Oke in a release he personally signed in his Esa-Oke home stated that the victory manifested the wish, endurance and doggedness of the good people of Osun.


He particularly thanked his Constituents in Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency where the Governor-elect overwhelmly won.


Hon Oluwole Oke also commended the entire people of the state for determination to wage war against the abject poverty which the APC led government had meted on the people of the state.


The Lawmaker assured civil servants and retirees who had been grossly denied of their salaries, emoluments, gratuities, pensions, promotions and other benefits in the last 12 years in the state that their loss would be bountifully res


He also assured artisans, ,private business individuals in the state that the Governor-elect would make their welfare and socio-economic development of the his watcheords.


According to him, “This is a huge win. The mood today is against corruption, insecurity and for the restoration of the economy and the creation of jobs. This is where the party stands and I am happy that the electorate has read the situation correctly,” Oke said.

He also congratulated the PDP National Chairman Sen. Iyocha Ayu, the chairman of the campaign committee and all party faithful across Ijesa North and Nigeria at large for putting in their best and braving the odds to ensure a successful outing for the flag bearer.

The Honourable rejoiced with the people of Osun State who aligned with his own belief that Ademola, with his pedigree, possesses the qualities to transform the state into the Osun of their dreams.

“From the beginning, this election set out to be a different kind of election. The unity and resilience of the party was tested. I am happy we came out of this victorious,” he stated.


Hon Oke assured that “nobody would be witch hunted in the civil service, our dwindling education would be restored. In view of this, I urge inhabitants of the state to declare absolute support for the divinely elected president in his bids to rejuvenate and rebuild the state”, Hon Wole Oke said.


It would be recalled that Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday declared Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday.

The Chief Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe announced Adeleke winner after polling 403,371 votes across the state.

Adeleke defeated the incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the ruling All Progressives Congress who polled 375,027 votes.
Ogundipe, under heavy security presence declared Adeleke as the Governor-elect.

Adeleke won 17 of the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. His closest rival, Oyetola, however, won in the remaining 13 LGAs.

Action Alliance has no case against Tinubu – Omoaje

ACTION ALLIANCE HAS NO CASE AGAIINST TINUBU – OMOAJE

The leadership of the Action Alliance (AA) has dispelled the alleged litigation instituted against the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that the party has nothing against Tinubu.

The National Chairman of the party, Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje in a statement issued on Thursday said the APC presidential standard bearer has not committed any offence that will warrant court case against him by the party

He said “it has come to the notice of the leadership of Action Alliance that a suit was purportedly filed on behalf of the party at the Federal High Court, Abuja against the All Progressive Congress and its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

“The matter said to be filed and deposed to by one Upkai Ukairo and one Kalu Agu has nothing to do with Action Alliance. As a matter of fact, both Upkai Ukairo and Kalu Agu are alien to the party and its leadership. They most probably are effigies or at best imaginary personalities,” he added.

Omoaje maintained that the party did not file any suit against Tinubu, just as he said that no member of the party could institute a case on behalf of the party without his knowledge.

“We advise the said respondents in the purported suit to disregard and discontainance the entire matter in its entirety as it did not emanate from my table as the National Chairman of the party neither was our legal desk in the know of such matter,” he stressed.

The AA National Chairman warned the populace to be wary of persons with questionable character with the intention to take advantage of them.

He said the leadership of the party is busy working to fulfill all legal documentation required by law to participate in the approaching Osun State gubernatorial election and the 2023 general elections.

Osun NULGE President, Ogungbangbe makes case for reclaiming people’s trust

OSUN NULGE PRESIDENT, OGUNGBANGBE MAKES CASE FOR RECLAIMING PEOPLE’S TRUST

AS HOS, OTHERS SEEK SUPPORT FOR OYETOLA’S RE-ELECTION

The President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun state chapter, Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, has charged members of the union across the state on the need to make themselves relevant in all spheres of life.

Ogungbangbe gave the admonition during the official inauguration of the newly appointed Local Government Caretaker Chairmen and unveiling of the two newly purchased Toyota Buses by the Union.

In a statement issued by the information officer, Ife North Local Government, Abiona Olumide Felix and made available to newsmen in Osogbo, the NULGE President reiterated the need to move away from the spot of stagnation.

He said: “In our recent history, the focus is clear, the direction is unambiguous, it is movement with motion. The theme of the celebration is reclaiming the trust of our people, delivering the promise for our people.”

He further appreciated all the union members for their unalloyed support, during his first year in office.

Ogungbangbe however, advised the newly appointed Caretaker Chairmen to be more dedicated to the work assigned them, just as he Implored them to work together as a team.

He also charged them to allow peace to reign in their various local government areas where the interest of their members should be paramount to them.

“As you can see, the new face of our Secretariat, the offices, guests room, NULGE Hall, and the two new Toyota Bus’ we procured”.

While commending the Governor of the state on his sterling administrative performance, the NULGE President urged all the members to come out en-masse on July 16 and cast their votes for the governor so as to finish the ongoing developmental projects and for residents to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy in the state.

Speaking, the Osun State Head of Service, Dr. Festus Oyebade Olowogboyega, assured the workers that Governor Gboyega Oyetola led administration would never disappoint them as he would continue to keep to his promises to the people of the State.

Dr. Olowogboyega pleaded with the NULGE members in the state to vote for Governor Oyetola because ‘he has fulfilled all his electoral promises, adding that he is giving priority to workers’ welfare.

The National President of the Union, Com Akeem Olatunji Ambali
described Governor Gboyega Oyetola as a performing Governor has been using his wealth of experience as a dexterous administrator to transform the state beyond expectations.

He urged the Union members to vote for Governor Oyetola’s second term so as enable him continue his good works.

Ambali advised the Union to immortalise the Head of Service, Dr. Oyebade by renaming the NULGE House after him, considering his monumental contributions to the Union not only in the state but in the County at large.

The State Deputy President of the Union, Comrade Olarewaju Fatima Iyabo opined that the union recognises the power of trust as a necessary variable to implement their vision of unparalleled progress for local government within a short period of time.

She equally appreciated all the members of the Union just as he described the State NULGE President, Comrade Ogungbangbe as a man of peace whose impact in the transformation of the secretariat cannot be quantified in his own capacity.

Comrade Ganiyu Adebayo, State Secretary, NULGE, Osun state while commending members for their cooperation with the executive Council, pleaded to all members of the Union to re-elect the governor.

He assured them that Governor Oyetola has promised to grant their requests including promotion, advancement, conversion and payment of promotion arrears.

Osun NULGE President charges members to be relevant in all spheres of life

OSUN NULGE PRESIDENT CHARGES MEMBERS TO BE RELEVANT IN ALL SPHERES OF LIFE

AS HOS, OTHERS SEEK SUPPORT FOR OYETOLA’S RE-ELECTION

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun state chapter, Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, has charged members of the union across the state on the need to make themselves relevant in all spheres of life.

Ogungbangbe gave the admonition during the official inauguration of the newly appointed Local Government Caretaker Chairmen and unveiling of the two newly purchased Toyota Buses by the Union.

In a statement issued by the information officer, Ife North Local Government, Abiona Olumide Felix and made available to newsmen in Osogbo, the NULGE President reiterated the need to move away from the spot of stagnation.

He said: “In our recent history, the focus is clear, the direction is unambiguous, it is movement with motion. The theme of the celebration is reclaiming the trust of our people, delivering the promise for our people.”

He further appreciated all the union members for their unalloyed support, during his first year in office.

Ogungbangbe however, advised the newly appointed Caretaker Chairmen to be more dedicated to the work assigned them, just as he Implored them to work together as a team.

He also charged them to allow peace to reign in their various local government areas where the interest of their members should be paramount to them.

“As you can see, the new face of our Secretariat, the offices, guests room, NULGE Hall, and the two new Toyota Bus’ we procured”.

While commending the Governor of the state on his sterling administrative performance, the NULGE President urged all the members to come out en-masse on July 16 and cast their votes for the governor so as to finish the ongoing developmental projects and for residents to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy in the state.

Speaking, the Osun State Head of Service, Dr. Festus Oyebade Olowogboyega, assured the workers that Governor Gboyega Oyetola led administration would never disappoint them as he would continue to keep to his promises to the people of the State.

Dr. Olowogboyega pleaded with the NULGE members in the state to vote for Governor Oyetola because ‘he has fulfilled all his electoral promises, adding that he is giving priority to workers’ welfare.

The National President of the Union, Com Akeem Olatunji Ambali
described Governor Gboyega Oyetola as a performing Governor has been using his wealth of experience as a dexterous administrator to transform the state beyond expectations.

He urged the Union members to vote for Governor Oyetola’s second term so as enable him continue his good works.

Ambali advised the Union to immortalise the Head of Service, Dr. Oyebade by renaming the NULGE House after him, considering his monumental contributions to the Union not only in the state but in the County at large.

The State Deputy President of the Union, Comrade Olarewaju Fatima Iyabo opined that the union recognises the power of trust as a necessary variable to implement their vision of unparalleled progress for local government within a short period of time.

She equally appreciated all the members of the Union just as he described the State NULGE President, Comrade Ogungbangbe as a man of peace whose impact in the transformation of the secretariat cannot be quantified in his own capacity.

Comrade Ganiyu Adebayo, State Secretary, NULGE, Osun state while commending members for their cooperation with the executive Council, pleaded to all members of the Union to re-elect the governor.

He assured them that Governor Oyetola has promised to grant their requests including promotion, advancement, conversion and payment of promotion arrears.

OSUN NULGE PRESIDENT CHARGES MEMBERS TO BE RELEVANT IN ALL SPHERES OF LIFE

AS HOS, OTHERS SEEK SUPPORT FOR OYETOLA’S RE-ELECTION

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun state chapter, Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, has charged members of the union across the state on the need to make themselves relevant in all spheres of life.

Ogungbangbe gave the admonition during the official inauguration of the newly appointed Local Government Caretaker Chairmen and unveiling of the two newly purchased Toyota Buses by the Union.

In a statement issued by the information officer, Ife North Local Government, Abiona Olumide Felix and made available to newsmen in Osogbo, the NULGE President reiterated the need to move away from the spot of stagnation.

He said: “In our recent history, the focus is clear, the direction is unambiguous, it is movement with motion. The theme of the celebration is reclaiming the trust of our people, delivering the promise for our people.”

He further appreciated all the union members for their unalloyed support, during his first year in office.

Ogungbangbe however, advised the newly appointed Caretaker Chairmen to be more dedicated to the work assigned them, just as he Implored them to work together as a team.

He also charged them to allow peace to reign in their various local government areas where the interest of their members should be paramount to them.

“As you can see, the new face of our Secretariat, the offices, guests room, NULGE Hall, and the two new Toyota Bus’ we procured”.

While commending the Governor of the state on his sterling administrative performance, the NULGE President urged all the members to come out en-masse on July 16 and cast their votes for the governor so as to finish the ongoing developmental projects and for residents to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy in the state.

Speaking, the Osun State Head of Service, Dr. Festus Oyebade Olowogboyega, assured the workers that Governor Gboyega Oyetola led administration would never disappoint them as he would continue to keep to his promises to the people of the State.

Dr. Olowogboyega pleaded with the NULGE members in the state to vote for Governor Oyetola because ‘he has fulfilled all his electoral promises, adding that he is giving priority to workers’ welfare.

The National President of the Union, Com Akeem Olatunji Ambali
described Governor Gboyega Oyetola as a performing Governor has been using his wealth of experience as a dexterous administrator to transform the state beyond expectations.

He urged the Union members to vote for Governor Oyetola’s second term so as enable him continue his good works.

Ambali advised the Union to immortalise the Head of Service, Dr. Oyebade by renaming the NULGE House after him, considering his monumental contributions to the Union not only in the state but in the County at large.

The State Deputy President of the Union, Comrade Olarewaju Fatima Iyabo opined that the union recognises the power of trust as a necessary variable to implement their vision of unparalleled progress for local government within a short period of time.

She equally appreciated all the members of the Union just as he described the State NULGE President, Comrade Ogungbangbe as a man of peace whose impact in the transformation of the secretariat cannot be quantified in his own capacity.

Comrade Ganiyu Adebayo, State Secretary, NULGE, Osun state while commending members for their cooperation with the executive Council, pleaded to all members of the Union to re-elect the governor.

He assured them that Governor Oyetola has promised to grant their requests including promotion, advancement, conversion and payment of promotion arrears.

Osun PDP Chieftain, Akinleye eulogises Yeye Dupe Adeleke-Sanni at birthday, describes her as “jewel of inestimable character”

OSUN PDP CHIEFTAIN, AKINLEYE EULOGIES YEYE DUPE ADELEKE-SANNI AT BIRTHDAY, DESCRIBES HER AS “JEWEL OF INESTIMABLE CHARACTER”

A Chieftain of People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Osun state, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye has described Yeye Modupe Adeleke Saani as a jewel.of inestimable character whose impact in building human development has spoken volume just as he congratulated her on her birthday.

This was contained in a congratulatory message issued and personally signed, copies of which was made available with newsmen in Osogbo on Wednesday.

According to the erstwhile chairman of Ede North local government, he described the celebrant as true woman of valour, a detribalised Nigerian and an exceptionally excellent voice in the call for equal participation of women in politics.

He said, Yeye Modupe has been courageous in promoting excellence through sheer handwork and great commitment to the service of humanity, a role model to the old and young ones.

“I attested to your generosity and resilient in promoting human existence, you have demonstrated your passion for human development in all ramifications, no wonder people cherished you and celebrate your well-being all the time”

“On this occasion of your birthday, I joined other well wishers to celebrate you ma, it is my prayer to God to grant you your very heart desire especially on our incoming governor of Osun State by God’s grace, *Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke”

Akire of Ikire-Ile lists lessons of June 12

AKIRE OF IKIRE-ILE LISTS LESSONS OF JUNE 12


A prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Abdulazeez Olatunbosun has extolled the winner of June 12 presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola for living a life of legacy.

The monarch in his June 12 message said the acclaimed winner of the June 12,1993 election, Chief Moshood Olawale Abiola laid his life for the country.

His words “June 12, 1993 election which Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was presumed to have won was adjudged and remains the freest and fairest in the history of the giant of Africa, Nigeria. Prof. Humphrey Nwosu who conducted the elections introduced the novel Option A4 Voting System and Open Ballot System.

“Though Chief M.K.O Abiola was a friend of the military, ahead the elections there were insinuations that the leadership of the military felt uneasy about the emergence of Abiola as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and so would not accept the result if he won. Consequently, and true to the rumor making the rounds, the election was brutally annulled by the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

“Chief M.K.O Abiola in his bid to reclaim his mandate was held in custody after the famous ‘Epetedo Declaration’ and eventually lost his life while in detention. The following are few of the numerous lessons to draw from the annulment:

“Moshood Kashimawo Olawale ABIOLA, the winner of the June 12,1993 Presidential elections was a victim of complex conspiracy!

“Facts and figures have no version.
Friends who hate you secretly are worse than the enemies that you know. May God save us from such friends.

“Be careful! You can carry the hatred for a fellow or group of persons to the level that you get diminishing, and eventually demean yourself to nothingness.

“In whatever we do, courage is crucial. Nigerians had the courage to vote in the best candidate, Babangida lacked the courage to respect the results of the elections but Abiola had the courage to stand by his mandate freely given to him by Nigerians.

“It is good to be good in whatever we do. Abiola was a ditribalised, cheerful philanthropist, and a great helper who helped whoever comes his way whether Muslim or Christians, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa. The whole Nigerians voted for him in spite of being a Muslim presidential candidate running alongside a Muslim vice-presidential candidate, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe. This shows that whatever good we sow we shall reap.

“Nigerians can come together to elect strong leadership if our leaders would stop playing the divisive ethnic and religious cards.

“The consequences of betrayal is always sad and ignominious. Babangida promised to respect the results of the June 12 elections but he went back on his promises. Today Abiola is celebrated even though he is no more while those who betrayed him are not even though they are alive.

“There is always a price to pay no matter how small for a vision or dream that one believes in. Abiola was not distracted by this reality even when his wife, Kudrat Abiola was shot dead by Abacha’s killers.

“Although Abiola is dead, his democratic spirit lives on. This is possible because of his selfless sacrifice. He is the foundation of the democracy that Nigerians enjoy today.

“May the Almighty Allâh continue to forgive his shortcomings and admit him and his wives Simbiat and Kudrat Abiola to aljanna firdau,” he added.