By Na-Allah Moh’d Zagga
Incumbent Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and former labour leader and later Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole were once my heroes of democracy. Little did I realise, however, that they were mouthing democracy opportunistically and not because they were incapable of political intolerance towards those who differed or expressed legitimate dissent or ambitions.
Oshiomhole not only brutally crushed his deputy and hijacked the APC party chapter in order to impose his puppet as a successor, but he also lost all the gentle virtues of a supposed democrat. He once called Obasanjo a despot. But this same comrade told a poor woman to go and die when she prostrated before him to tell her agonising story of mistreatment by task force members. When the PDP leaders organised a fundraiser for the woman, Oshiomhole frustrated their plan by inviting her to the Government House to offer her tea and a job. His remorse was politically opportunistic because he didn’t want the PDP to gain credit for their empathy and compassion towards the woman. This was the woman he humiliated publicly and no money or job offer can erase the memory of humiliation. It takes power intoxication for a supposed comrade to call a woman in distress to go and die!
As former NBA National President, Rotimi Akeredolu was a voice of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Today, I feel ashamed that this vocal lawyer would resort to criminalising the legitimate ambitions of fellow party members. Worse still, I am disappointed that Akeredolu would be associated with political thugs in his bid to constrict the democratic space and ensure only his minions should aspire for public offices. His desire to put the party in pocket is contrary to the principles he once stood for. He parted ways politically with Jagaba Bola Tinubu because of the allegations that Tinubu had tendencies to impose candidates.
Who is fighting Ondo North Senatorial District Senator Ajayi Boroffice? Is it Tinubu? Senator Ajayi and his supporters were attacked by thugs while holding a parallel congress and five journalists were injured during the violent invasion of the venue. Must a true democrat bend everybody to his will? Must a true democrat use power in order to crush others because of their legitimate ambitions? Political intolerance and the desire to impose your lackeys is not consistent with the virtues of a true democrat.
