The Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has been called upon by members of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Oyo South Senatorial District to contest the senatorial seat of the district in 2019.
They made the call on Saturday in Ibadan at the state party secretariat during a solidarity rally tagged ‘The Clarion Call of Mission’ aimed at compelling the governor to contest.
PMParrot reporter at the rally said the political gathering was held to call on Ajimobi to contest the seat, a position which he once held from 2003 to 2007 on the platform of Alliance for Democracy(AD).
Then, Ajimobi was the Deputy Minority Whip from where he contested the governorship seat on the platform of All Nigeria People’s Party(ANPP) which he lost.
Honourable Mojeed Olaoya, the State Secretary of the party said that the message of the rally was to compel the governor to contest the senate seat of the district in 2019.
He stated that the call on the governor to run was due to the district’s quest for quality representation, which he said was evident in his tremendous achievements as a governor.
“We don’t want to make him a titular leader of the party and a toothless bulldog. We want him to share the ideas imbedded in him with his successor.
“We would have allowed him continue as a governor if the constitution permits more than two terms. The constitution permits he can return to the senate.
“Though, the governor has stated many times that he was not going to contest elective positions after his tenure expires, but we are calling on him to represent us at the senate,” he said.
Olaoya, who stated that the senate was an institution for the intellectuals like Ajimobi, expressed optimism that the governor would heed the call of the people.
Hon. Kehinde Subair, Majority Leader, Oyo State House of Assembly and Dr Azeez Adeduntan, the State Commissioner for Health said the governor has raised the bar of governance in the state.
The duo, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, said Ajimobi was the best governor the state ever had, saying he would be the best to represent the district at the senate.
Also, Mr Bosun Ajuwon, the Caretaker Chairman, Ibadan North-West Local Government and Mrs Balkis Olabode, Woman Leader, Oyo South Senatorial District said the clarion call on Ajimobi was due to his exemplary leadership.
Ajuwon, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues from the district, described Ajimobi as a leader with great love for his people, particularly those at the grassroots.
Dr Morounkola Thomas, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, described Ajimobi as a brand to be reckoned with in the politics of the state and Nigeria.
“Ajimobi is a brand noted for excellence and development. He has instituted paradigm shift in the politics of Oyo State from Amala to intellectual politics.
“He was in the senate from 2003 to 2007. As a member of the red chamber, he was among the few upright members that fought the third term bid and rejected Ghana must go bags,” he said.
Thomas stated that the people were yearning for intellectual, informed and mature minds to represent them, adding he was totally in support of the call.
According to him, “As a member of this district, I am aligning with my people, urging the governor to contest the senatorial seat in 2019. All we are looking for is quality representation.
“I do always inform him of the call on him to serve as the senator and he is yet to answer. The governor is considering his age and commitment to national politics.
“I am very optimistic that the governor will heed the call as a man of the people.”
The rally was attended by Hon Michael Adeyemo, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly and Prince Adefisoye Adekanye, Chairman, Oyo South Senatorial District.
Others were members of the assembly, commissioners, political leaders and thousands of party supporters.
Packaged by Dare Alesinloye
