THE ONDO STATE SPEAKERSHIP RACE Vol. 1. By Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.

THE ONDO STATE SPEAKERSHIP RACE Vol. 1.

Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.

There is  an on-going important search for a new Speaker for the Ondo State House of Assembly as the Governor-elect prepares to take over the reign of state affairs.

This search is crucial to the development of the state and the high expectations of good governance from the incoming government. Only  recently, the people of ONDO state went to the polls in an historic election which saw the emergence of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), of the opposition party in the state, winning overwhelmingly the ruling party.

As an electoral process it was fraught with its own patent of intrigues and politickings, but it is essentially, otherwise, widely accepted as a product of the people's will.

The emergence of the new governor prompts the restructuring of power allocations along the 3 Senatorial areas that make up the state to ensure social justice, equality and even power-spread in the state.

Except for the exposition of a new political theory in Ondo state, it is only fair and right that with the Northern senatorial district picking the governorship seat in the person of Aketi and the Southern senatorial district taking the Deputy Governorship position in the person of Mr. Agboola Ajayi, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly automatically swings to the Central Senatorial district.

This is a trite practice in our democratic experience and we must all appreciate it as any arrangement to the contrary can never stand the test of time.

Despite the chasm of the political divide in the state, there is an emerging confidence and consensus amongst the people of Ondo state that the incoming government will deliver on the goods of democratic dividends and stick to fair play in all its political exercise. It is further hoped that a fair and all encompassing leadership, regardless of status, will become a hallmark of its tenure. Hence, it is hoped Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu ( SAN)'s government will not stray from a fundamental principle which has served the State's crucial need for social inclusivity.

Any observer, keen or passing, would by now be abreast of what has become my abiding passion and interest. I have an unrepentant desire to see young people in our generation position themselves politically as to become proportionate decision makers and influencers of their destinies and that of the country. I yearn to see an emancipation from the shackles of political subjugation that has been our lot for donkey years. I believe so much in balance in governance. I have faith in the strength of youth, our power and vigor.

Our country today is suffering from a deficit of ideas that are reflective of the dynamics of growth and development because we continue to place it's progress in the hands of burned out, old and recycled policy makers. The disaster in this is the retrogression in just about every sphere of our engagements as a country that we see. From failing infrastructures to non-existent utilities, poverty of ideas and effete policies.

Recently, the whole world looked on in dismay as an alarming number of our lawmakers and ministers slept through the 2017 Budget Presentation on National Television. There can perhaps be no better symbolic expression of their lack lustre and inattentive attitude to the affairs of the nation. Nor, could a better statement be made as to how worn out these individuals are. Not surprisingly, they still hold on tenaciously to power out of avarice and because WE let them. Yes, we do.

Therefore as the search for a Speaker for the Ondo state parliament ensues, we must give premium to young people that are tested, trusted, vibrant, viable and reliable. This is especially so as they have taken the challenge upon themselves to defy the status quo.

Those who share this perception of progress have laboured and settled on the choice of Honourable Olamide George, a young man with an extremely functional creative instinct whose iron cast commitment to the service of his country is not in doubt.

Olamide George's abiding orientation is patriotism and service to Nigeria. He, as an undergraduate, has represented Nigeria in so many capacities as an athlete and also a renowned debater. He has brought so many honours and glory to his country in sports and fully understands the burden of expectations.

He paid his dues as a student leader and rose to the enviable position of National President of the National Association of ONDO State Students(NAOSS). We know OLAMIDE George very well and you know him all too as a consensus builder, a reform radicalist, leftists and a prominent member of the students' youth family in Ondo state and in Nigeria at large.

We cannot continue to cry foul while in implicit in the political exclusion that prevails in the state and country. The entire state and the body of Nigerian students and youths across board must rise to this opportunity before us. The time to rally around one of our own is before us. Actions more than words is our identity.

We further appeal to all members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, prominent stakeholders in the state, politicians, elders and youths to give this brave youth this opportunity with love and belief. We must not be afraid to take the right chances as opportunity thrusts it on our path. I also remain convinced that no true lover of Ondo state or Nigeria can argue against the need for fresh breath in our political whirlwind.

May right prevail over wrong, equity over inequity, fairness against travesty and us all against the traducers of our will.


God bless Nigeria.
God bless Ondo State.
God bless us all.

Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. is a civil rights activists and legal practitioner with the Castle of Law, Nigeria.