DECISIVE
DECISION
“CDC…!” Chief Adelakun exclaimed excitedly.
“Innovation!!”
the members of the gathering chorused in a very high voice.
“CDC…!” He reiterated.
Chief
Dele Adelakun who was rightly standing on a podium was a seasoned entrepreneur
turned politician. He actually ventured into politics owing to his extreme
passion for humanity; he was undoubtedly an ardent and well-known humanist and
philanthropist.
Due to his distinguished nomenclature, he was
unanimously elected as the flag-bearer of the Coalition for Democratic Change
(CDC) by the majority of the party’s membership during its primary election to
contest for the chairmanship position of Ojeiran Local Government Area (LGA), one
of the most popular LGAs found in one of the states situated in the
South-Western region of Nigeria.
Right on that podium, he was observing
one of his electioneering campaign tours as organized by the revered party
(CDC).
CDC was obviously a well-respected and
leading political platform among the five major parties eligible for the
awaited LG polls. So far since inception, the party had been known for
producing respectable and notable individuals as its flag-bearers for any
political post across the country.
It suffices to say that every citizen of
Ojeiran LGA alongside other LGAs in the state was looking up to the party as
regards the aforementioned LG election, which was barely two weeks ahead.
“Innovation…!!” the gathering responded
accordingly in a more passionate tone.
The
campaign was taking place in one of the ancient public primary schools in the
LGA on the 13th of November 2002 at about some minutes past eleven
in the morning. The arena was densely occupied with the party’s flag of blue,
white and yellow colours coupled with the picture of a palm-frond, which
signified its logo, inscribed on it.
“We already know why we are here.” Chief
Adelakun proceeded. “Therefore, there’s no need for any introduction or
preliminaries.”
“Yes oooh!” The crowd concurred.
“I
don’t have much to say because I am a man of few words.” he said. “But I can
assure you that we are ready to bring total innovation to this LGA, just as the
party’s slogan signifies.”
“We believe you.” majority exclaimed in
appreciation.
“But it’s noteworthy that this cannot be
actualized without proper accountability,” he asserted, paused. “Hence,
accountability remains my watchword.”
“Chairman – Chairman – Chairman…!” The
audience chanted continuously in anticipation.
He signalled them to calm down using his
arms. “I am a banker.” he rode on. “In other words, there is nothing one would
teach me regarding finances or budgetary.”
The
frontiers amidst the intimidating crowd nodded in comprehension and agreement.
Chief
Adelakun, a huge and light-complexioned man in his late forties, who was clad
in a dark-blue caftan, a native cap made of the same material and black plain
shoes, was an astute freelance banking professional. He had B.Sc in Banking and
Finance from the famous Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State,
Nigeria coupled with other numerous advanced professional honours in Finance
and Business.
“Before I conclude,” the flag-bearer said. “I
must let you know that Education and Health would be my priority.”
“We dey your side ooh!” They chorused in
vernacular.
“Just
look at our school,” he lamented, pointing at the dilapidated structure of the
primary school being used as the campaign venue. “It is nothing to write home
about.”
The members of the gathering frowned, shook
their heads in disappointment.
“The most annoying part is that,” he
continued. “Most of these forgotten schools are the alma-mater of most
stakeholders in the society.”
The
speech proceeded for over forty minutes. It was indeed a holistic address. In the
long run, the LG party boss, Chief Dapo Olabiyi rounded off the long-lasted
talk. The audience were finally showered with light refreshments as well as
souvenirs such as hand fans and portable form of the party’s flag prior to
their departure.
In two
weeks’ time, on Saturday, November 30, 2002 precisely, the election
successfully held as scheduled and Chief Dele Adelakun of the CDC emerged
victoriously as the Chairman-Elect of Ojeiran LGA. Three weeks after, on Friday,
20th December 2002 precisely, he was sworn in along with his Deputy,
Barr. Gbenga Olusola.
According
to the state’s law, every Executive Chairman was meant to spend three years in
office. To people’s greatest surprise, Chief Adelakun’s 3-year tenure was
something to reckon with contrary to his predecessor’s style of leadership.
Ab initio, he took every of his
campaign promises to include adequate education, good and affordable health
care, and standard road network, among others, very seriously that he was
embarrassed with fathomless eulogies by every dick and harry in the locality,
even in absentia.
Among all, he rejuvenated the strength
of his party (CDC) as far as the council was concerned that at intervals, the
overall leadership of the party would organize revelry just to celebrate him.
To be continued, please.
FDN Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH)- Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador
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