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By Emmanuel Ajibulu
It is definitely not out of place to sincerely commend the esteemed people of Ondo East and West Federal Constituency for turning out en-masse for the February 23, 2019 general elections, especially the National Assembly poll.
The commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated throughout the constituency by the youths, artisans, senior citizens, students, religious and community leaders during the electioneering period to drum support for Zenith Labour Party Candidate, Hon. (Comrade) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja was indeed unprecedented, posterity will surely judge them kindly.
The constituents truly poured their hearts into the campaign. It was a campaign that recorded thousands of volunteers, community leaders, activists, youth organizers and social media influencers etc, who knocked on doors, talked to their neighbours, posted activities and updates on Facebook, even in secret private Facebook sites and other social media platforms.
However, the outcome of the poll turned out not to be favorable to supporters of Hon. Akinlaja, it was never what they wanted or worked so hard for. It is on record that Akinlaja campaigns were issue-based, of distinct values, not monetized, full of vision and laced with sincerity of purpose. It was exceptionally vast, diverse, creative, tactical, energized and methodical.
Personally, I feel pride and gratitude for the wonderful campaign that the labour leader, Akinlaja built together within the shortest time that he eventually pitched his tenth with ZLP. Akinlaja truly represents the best of Ondo City, and being Zenith Labour Party candidate for the last election has been one of the greatest honours in his political adventure.
Some people have however expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which subsequently produced Hon. Biola Makinde of Africa Democratic Congress, ADC, (a former Ondo West Local Government Caretaker Chairman), I urge such individuals to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and remain civil in their conducts, just as Hon Akinlaja is known for deepening unity, peace, stability and progress of Ekimogun and every path he had traversed in life.
Humanity will often remember Akinlaja for his integrity, inclusiveness in governance and other rare virtues that largely enriched our body politic. Every well meaning Nigerian will never forget Akinlaja’s graceful and determined leadership that meant so much to many of them and people across the world. Their love for Akinlaja means more than what they can ever express.
This loss hurts, but one will never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it. It is worth it and there is nothing wrong being ambitious, infact it makes life worthwhile, interesting and meaningful. To all the women, and especially the young women and other men of purpose and ideas who put their faith in this campaign and supported Akinlaja with their time, energy intellectual prowess, and resources: I want you to know that nothing has made this Federal Parliamentarian and seasoned trade unionist prouder, stronger and fulfilled with your show of excellence.
I still believe, as deeply as I ever have, that if we stand together and work together with respect for our differences, strengthen our convictions, and love for Ekimogun and by extension Nigeria our best days and abiding fulfillment will never elude us.
One thing that can never change is that year in year out, AkinlaIa will be incredibly honored for his remarkable legacies, humility, thoroughness, benevolence, kindness, magnanimity, intelligence/experience, transparency, ingenuity and robust representation for his constituents at the hallowed chamber. There is no doubt absolutely that he still has a date with destiny and he will fulfill his purpose beyond human comprehension.
On this note I say congratulations to the dark horse in Ekimogun politics, Hon. Biola Peter Makinde, I wish him best of luck and may God bless Ondo State.
EMMANUEL AJIBULU is HON JOSEPH IRANOLA AKINLAJA’s media aide and communication strategist.
