Dimeji Bankole
When we set out, we had a clear cut idea of what to do. We traversed the nooks and crannies of the state. We had one on one interaction with critical stakeholders in project Ogun. We were strategic in our approach. The hopes were high and without making unnecessary noise, we covered a lot of ground. Our chances were bright.
The turn of event however proved that we underrated the poverty level in the land. There was high rate of voters apathy-the highest ever in the history of Ogun State. When it dawned on us at the last moment, we dared to be different. Every action comes with its consequences and we were ready to bear the consequences of that decision. Moreover, I had contested and won elections, just as I had lost elections. So there was no need for desperation. The rest is story for another day.
While we campaigned across the state, we had two critical messages for our people. The first was our agenda of Mass Employment which by our strategy encapsulates every other need of our people. The other was that, the quest to serve the people should not be a matter of do or die. I can vividly recall saying at different fora, in reaction to the couple of political violence recorded in the state at that time, that God, the omnipresent and omnipotent, already knew who will be Governor.
No one can be King, except God crowns him King. As human beings, we can aspire and make moves towards the actualisation of our dreams however, as a Muslim, I know that in the end, the final decision is entirely that of God. In this case, it pleased the almighty Allah to make my dear Egbon, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, MFR, the 5th elected Governor of Ogun State. I have since called to congratulate him and extend my heartfelt felicitation to his family, his team and the entire people of our dear state.
As I wish him a successful tenure of office, may I remind all and sundry that Ogun State belongs to all of us, irrespective of who is at the helm of affairs. In accordance to the campaign mantra of the governor-elect, Igbega Ipinle Ogun, Ajose gbogbo wa ni, I wish to appeal to all well meaning individuals and groups to join hands with him in his quest to serve because in my view, in this instance, the success of one, will ultimately be for the good of all.
At this stage, I want to specially thank our friends, families, the good people of Ogun State, members and leadership of Action Democratic Party (ADP), the various groups and all the members of my team for the priceless sacrificial efforts they put in, while it lasted. We may not have been declared governor but we did not loose because greater days are ahead!.
*Rt Hon Dimeji Bankole, CFR,_Former Speaker, Federal Republic of Nigeria / Gubernatorial Candidate, Action Democratic Party (ADP)._