Politics
Unveiling the Fallacies: Gbenga Daniel’s resilience in the face of baseless and combative attacks
By Victor Ojelabi
In the rough and tumble world of Nigerian politics, where mudslinging and personal vendettas often take centre stage, it is no surprise that the remarkable career of the distinguished Senator Gbenga Daniel, the former executive governor of Ogun State and current member of Ogun East Senatorial District, has become a target for relentless attacks.
Ordinarily, a lion should not concern itself with the opinion of the sheep. It has no need to stoop down to the level of those who are unable to comprehend its true power and majesty. While it may have been more fitting, but when falsehoods are spread about someone of that calibre, it becomes a responsibility to set the record straight, hence this rejoinder.
Before unleashing a full-throttle response to the insidious campaign of calumny orchestrated by Prince Dapo Abiodun, who conveniently hides behind the cloak of a Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed, supposedly the State Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Ogun State APC, let us pause and ponder a few essential questions. Firstly, who are the members of the Ogun State APC? Is Otunba Gbenga Daniel not a bonafide member of the APC? Did he not secure a resounding mandate from his esteemed constituency to represent them in the Senate under the very same party?
To put things in better perspective, Otunba Daniel during the election conveniently won the right to represent the good people of Ogun East Senatorial District and represent the interest of the whole of Yoruba race at the national assembly. While on the contrary, Prince Abiodun struggled, despite recorded cases of vote buying and voters intimidation, to win a re-election as an incumbent!
It seems rather perplexing that the governor would shamelessly sponsor an article against the Otunba of the Egba and Ijebu clans. What was his motive? Merely because Otunba Daniel granted an interview? Pray tell, what inaccuracies were presented in that interview? Instead of addressing pertinent issues, it appears that Prince Abiodun is resorting to baseless attacks on the character of a distinguished individual.
Instead of engaging in constructive criticism if need be in response to OGD, a name Ogun people fondly turned into Ogidi Omo, a child with substance, and called the former governor, the writer resorts to shameless falsehoods and selective storytelling, with the sole intent of undermining the achievements and integrity of a distinguished politician.
The write-up reeks of a desperate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the former governor. However, it fails to provide any substantive evidence or factual counterarguments to support its claims. It is a feeble attempt to divert attention away from the real issues at hand and to attack the personality of a man who has dedicated his life to public service.
To begin with, it is crucial to highlight the egregious flaws in the article’s approach. Rather than addressing the issues surrounding OGD’s tenure, the piece veers off into irrelevant tangents and personal attacks. By doing so, it conveniently sidesteps the transformative policies and impactful projects implemented during his time as governor. The significant strides made in infrastructure development, education reform, healthcare advancements, and agricultural revitalization are callously dismissed, painting a distorted and incomplete picture of Otunba’s leadership. Can Daniel’s detractors and naysayers claim to receive the same kind of resounding acclaim and unwavering love from the people of Ogun State as he does? Can they honestly beat their chests and point to achievements that measure up to the remarkable accomplishments of the distinguished senator? The answer, quite evidently, is a resounding no.
During his tenure as the Governor of Ogun State, he left an indelible mark on the state’s progress and development. One notable testament to his visionary leadership was the significant increase in Ogun State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Under his astute guidance, the state’s IGR reached an all-time high. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the growth of Ogun State’s economy were exemplified by his establishment of the newspaper publication, Compass Newspaper, strategically located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This venture not only contributed to the state’s economy but also played a vital role in providing employment opportunities for thousands of individuals.
In contrast, those who persistently criticise and attempt to tarnish his reputation have failed to present any comparable achievements or a track record of positively impacting the lives of the people they claim to represent. They find themselves grasping at straws, desperately seeking to undermine the significant contributions he made during his tenure as governor.
Furthermore, the article attempts to cast doubt on OGD’s loyalty and political affiliations, demonstrating a clear disregard for the intricate dynamics of Nigerian politics. It is essential to recognize that political alliances can evolve and shift as circumstances change. OGD’s ability to adapt and align himself with the progressive movement when it best served the interests of his constituents speaks volumes about his astuteness and commitment to effective governance.
Attempting to rewrite history, the writer shamelessly denies OGD’s crucial role in the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State in 1999. Such denial is an insult to the intelligence of well-informed Nigerians who are fully aware of this significant contributions by OGD to that historic moment. The testimonies of reputable sources, including Bayo Onanuga and Dele Alake, stand as undeniable evidence of his involvement, leaving no room for doubt or reinterpretation.
Emilokan Day: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the then APC presidential aspirant, with Prince Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State at the venue of former’s historical speech and declaration
Worthy of note also is the fact that he brought his veteran experience and strategic acumen to the forefront during the presidential campaign of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu. While he may have operated behind the scenes with his customary quiet efficiency, there is no doubt about the pivotal role he played in Ogun State, the Southwest region, and indeed the entire nation. With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of the political landscape, he worked tirelessly, marshalling resources, mobilising support, and rallying the people behind the cause.
Moreover, the article selectively presents unsubstantiated allegations of impropriety and misconduct, without providing concrete evidence or allowing for due process. It is essential to uphold the principles of justice and fairness by granting Ogidi Omo a fair and impartial investigation, should genuine concerns about his actions arise. However, engaging in baseless accusations and character assassinations only serves to distract from the substantive issues and undermine the integrity of the political discourse.
It is regrettable that such a combative and unfounded attack on Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s character has been given a platform. It is also disheartening to witness Prince Abiodun resorting to such petty tactics. Rather than engaging in a meaningful discourse on the issues that affect the people of Ogun State, he chooses to launch baseless attacks on a revered figure in an attempt to tarnish his reputation. This approach is indicative of a leader who lacks the vision, integrity, and substance to address the pressing concerns of the state.
According to StatiSense’s 10 Economic and Social Key Indicators for June 2023, 68.1% of the state’s population is faced with multidimensional poverty, while pensions were not remitted for both employees and retirees. And yet, these are just few of the things being faced by the citizens. It’s so sad that the governor o mo eyi to kan.
This feeble attempt by Eleyi camp to damage the name and reputation of Otunba Gbenga Daniel falls flat in the face of the overwhelming evidence of his achievements; it is dead on arrival. The people of Ogun State have spoken through their resounding support and unwavering admiration for Ogidi Omo.
It is high time that Abiodun and his allies ceased their character assassination and focus on addressing the real issues that affect the lives of the people they are meant to serve.
An excerpt from the viral interview Otunba Daniel responsible for the restlessness of the governor’s camp, the former governor was more focused on his last legacy for the good of the state than anything else.
“Of course, industrially, we saw the light early. We knew that we needed to turn around the economy of the state. So, we paid special attention to industrialising the state. He stated;
“In the course of our tenure, we were able to create three free trade zones.
“The first was the Olokola Free Trade Zone, which we did collectively with Ondo State at that time. The zone was to have major projects including deep seaport, which was supposed to be deepest in Nigeria and Olokola LNG, which was supposed to be the biggest in the world. It was supposed to host giant industries like Dangote Refinery, which was later moved to Lekki. That is the Ogun East initiative.
“In Ogun West, we created the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in partnership with China. Luckily, OGFTZ was inaugurated before I left office during the official visit of President Goodluck Jonathan. By the time I left office, we already had 40 full-fledged companies in OGFTZ, manufacturing various products. All the ceramics, which looked imported on our streets, are from OGFTZ. The only functioning glass industry we have in this country is located in OGFTZ, but people do not know.
“In Ogun Central, we created the Kajola Transportation Free Trade Zone. The essence was to move the existing Iddo terminus to Kajola within Ifo Local Government Area and build it up as a transportation hub. Before he left office, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo inaugurated some wagons there before he left office. That is the third free trade zone we created during my tenure as the governor of Ogun State.”
It’s so obvious that eleyi o mo eyi to kan.
The people of Ogun State deserve better than these desperate attempts to deflect attention and engage in petty politics. Ogun people do not deserve Prince Abiodun as their governor.
As Otunba Gbenga Daniel embarks on his senatorial journey, it is paramount to rise above the muck of personal attacks and engage in substantive discussions that promote progress and meaningful change.
Rejecting the politics of character assassination, let us embrace a more elaborate and inclusive discourse that focuses on the transformative potential of leaders like him.
By fostering unity, encouraging constructive criticism, and basing evaluations on concrete evidence, we can collectively build a brighter future for Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
It is in our hands to elevate the political narrative and uphold the values of integrity and fairness.
Ogidi Omo ki i se eni arifin.
There have been subtle projections for the Lagos state governorship election in 2027. Unfortunately, these early promptings seem to lack the requisite intellectual rigour for the dynamic politics and leadership demands of the state of acquatic splendour. Shola Oyeyipo writes.
A general build-up to the 2027 national elections can no longer be dismissed as “too early” again, given the current provisions of the nation’s electoral laws. By the letters of these laws, elected officials can hardly savour two years at a stretch to deliver on their promises, before campaign distractions commence.
Sections 76(2), 116(2), 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), state that elections shall hold not earlier than one hundred and fifty (150) days and not later than thirty (30) days before the expiration of the term of office of` the last holder of that office.
By these provisions, the electoral commission, INEC, is empowered by Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 to issue Notice for the elections not later than 360 days before the date of the elections.
Once this is done, governance takes the back stage and politics becomes the in-thing. Thus, if anyone is starting to project for the next bout of election, it may be considered part of the build-up, albeit an unlawful indulgence at this time.
Yet, the recent balloon trials about the likely turn that the Lagos governorship might take were not only poor attempts at simulating anything, they failed to show a grasp of the issues that might dominate political discourse at this time.
In one of those efforts, the failure to credit the president, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, with deserving political intelligence by expressly tipping his son, Seyi, as a likely choice for the Lagos governorship, was one idiotic undertaking loaded with absolute baloney.
Excuse qualification for a bit as a different debate on its own, no other more serious political considerations, including religion and geopolitical factors spared a thought for him.
How a president, who would be battling to return to office, would willfully set his empire on fire, is unlikely his disposition, even though a renowned risk-taking political juggernaut.
It’s no doubt a delicate wager and there’s no debating the fact that no politician worth his salt would travel, not just on such a highway to nowhere, but obstreperously stoke a fire that would consume all that he already has in the bag.
That said, the qualification debate can now step forward. However, anyone looks at this, what has Seyi done that would make his father push him forward for the Lagos governorship?
Take a quick review of the profiles of everyone who had governed Lagos, starting from his father and say to yourself which of them he comes close to, including Akinwunmi Ambode, who was not allowed to seek re-election?
The Yoruba will readily ask anyone with poor reasoning to smell his own words and tell how badly it stinks. Perhaps, those pushing this agenda should read over their garbage and tell themselves how that is feasible with all the variables waiting to determine the next choice for Lagos.
Curiously, the other leg to the early promptings and their tawdry delivery was the veiled move to put down some names, while making others appear impossible choices.
It is true and arguable that the Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru, is a good material for Lagos. From the halls of many banks to the red chamber, it is hard to dismiss or downplay his eligibility, suitability and capacity.
He fits the bill in all ramifications and has earned a constant mention in the race for the Lagos governorship, even before he went to the senate. These notwithstanding, he, too, would battle other factors, although determined by the “owner” of Lagos, when the time comes. His choice is therefore not a given yet.
Interestingly, one name that is gradually creeping into the mix, and which a majority of the Lagos politicians are coming to terms with as seemingly fitting the bill and picture of Tinubu’s unusual choice for governor is the current Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Whatever analysis anyone is doing now that does not yield a deserving space to Alausa is probably clowning for want of what to write. He may appear unnoticed and unpopular for now, many observers from Lagos already see his redeployment from junior minister at the Ministry of Health to Education as instructive.
This development, they now argue, was not only to properly position and prepare him for the Lagos challenge, they are convinced that the ministry would start to get more votes as part of design to empower and put him on a stronger footing ahead of the decision to either draft him into the race or empower him.
For an average politician, his nomination to the cabinet was not a surprise. The duo of Tinubu and Alausa had come a long way since their days in the United States. While the latter was said to have done a lot in service for the former back in the day, Tinubu has not had the opportunity to compensate him. The time to do so is now.
Unfortunately, there’s one more name that is already being mentioned, sadly in talk-down tone and that is the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat – a man of class and distinction.
While no one can emerge Lagos governor without the blessing of the president, except, of course, God personally steps in, Hamzat is one material that both the political class and the ordinary citizens of the state have continued to tip as Lagos’ best bet. Their reasons suit all logics.
First, as the current deputy governor, who would have run the state with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for eight years by 2027, it would make transition easy. The fact that he understands the development agenda of the state as an active player cancels out many “ifs”.
In addition, he satisfies practically all political considerations as far as the race to the Lagos governorship is concerned. Smart, sound and very intelligent, he is also hands-on, so much that his choice would naturally relieve the president of any worry back home while the battle for his reelection rages across the nation.
His knowledge of Lagos, development politics, issues and the management of the political class puts him miles ahead of everyone else. This also explains while those conversant with these facts but want someone else have continued to use his strengths against him, insinuating that the president would not field a man, who seems solid in everything.
By implications, the move is intended to set him up for failure and make him lose favour before the president. Indeed, some have also openly sung to him that anyone who overtly or subtly indicates interest in the governorship never gets it, citing the president’s style as constant in this decision.
However, while it may appear that the president has always gambled with his choice of the Lagos governor, and has always been lucky to end up with good hands, including Ambode, his inadequacies nonetheless, political dynamics also demand a review of strategy for results that are in sync with current realities.
At the end of the day, the only person who will determine the next governor of Lagos state is God through the instrumentality of the people.
The same God has also placed in President Tinubu, the power and influence to choose right on behalf of the people again in 2027, without downplaying the prevailing factors, both in the state and his own election.
But the choice candidate must have the right character, temper, knowledge and capacity to do the job. After all, this is Lagos.
In the final analysis, the early promptings are not completely out of place and may help stoke real conversations ahead of the Lagos 2027 poll. However, pandering to obvious idiocy in order to flesh up weak analyses is counterproductive, even to their own idea of who the cap fits
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