By Adewuyi Adegbite
There is this argument that the presidential ambition of the Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose is usual, down to earth and speaks the mind of the genuine democrats in Nigeria. Unknown to many, Fayose is not a product of any arrangement. He is purely a self made man and his ambition divine. He is the proverbial man in Yoruba folklore who fought the masquerade, he defeated it, he fought divinity he floored the deity, he fought God, Olodumare or Olorun, it was Olorun or the owner of the heaven who defeated him. Yoruba believe that one should not compare oneself what a person that God humbled.
We should remember that Fayose came from nowhere in 2001/2002 to wrestle the PDP structure from Ekiti leaders, He had no godfather, no godmother, no king-father, no family name to sell, yet with hard work, perseverance unmatched generosity, a good and supportive wife and most importantly, Grace of God defeated the incumbent Chief Niyi Adebayo with the power of incumbency and a good family name that opens the strong doors. The likes of Fayose are Seriki Ayoade Adeojo and Bayo Alao Akala in Oyo State. These are tacticians, strategists, spenders, and free misers. Their undoing that won for them implacable foes is their refusal to cow tow or be surrogates of any being!
Fayose’s travail in 2006 was as a result of his decision to be an independent man or refusal to be spoon fed by the power that be. Fayose as you correctly described him is an enfant terrible, beyond that, he is a one man riot squad. He is a honest man and he is about the only man whose honesty has not affected his political aspiration! Other honest men in politics, I know do not go far. Most of our political leaders love liars boot lickers and those who will call black white to curry their favour!
Fayose from his antecedent is on a mission in Nigeria. His miraculous comeback in 2006 where he defeated an incumbent like in 2003 was enough evidence to buttress my point. His declaration for presidency is not a joke but for real. There is a hand of God in it.
Fayose’s antecedent in a two term governor qualifies him for the job. What he needs are experts in various sectors of our socio-economic and political lives as advisers. Those who are expecting him to be an economist technocrat are making mistake. Technocrats do not make good administrator.
Fayose is a welfarist and his policies are people oriented and not vice versa. He is not a hypocrite who would admonish Nigerians to use made in Nigeria goods while their wives and children go on weekend shopping spree in Europe and America including Dubai. Fayose is the type of president Nigeria needs. His policies are with human face.
The journey of president Muhammadu Buhari and other underdogs who became the corner pillars should teach all of us that Fayose is for real. What it takes is perseverance and fortitude in the face of persecution from the enemies of all that is good.
Those you mentioned as opposing Fayose are no match for him morally, spiritually, and politically. They are paid agents or fame seekers. PDP stalwarts and leaders should learn from the past mistakes and allow internal democracy in the party. Zoning arrangements need to be achieved under dialogue and not threats as some parvenu in the party are doing on Fayose issue. Fayose is a face of PDP; the way his ambition is handled can make or mar the future of the party. Mark my words.
• Adewuyi Adegbite, ayekooto05@gmail.com