Don't Abandon Us...South West Group Pleads With Obasanjo

A political pressure group in South West made of seasoned politicians in the Peoples Democratic Party PDP,The South West Network (SWN) has called on former President Olusegun Obasanjo not to abandon the party but to continue to guide the leadership for good governance.

Speaking while briefing the former President in Abeokuta on its activities,the Chairman of the SWN, Senator Hosea Agboola, said the group was formed to redress the sliding relevance of the South West in the Nigerian Political space adding that disunity,continuous bickering and leadership vacuum has contributed to the Marginalisation of the zone.

He said the group was embarking on reconciliation of leaders and providing the platform to rally round the South west members of the PDP to take their rightful position in the scheme of things.

Agboola the currentDeputy Chief whip of the Senate,pleaded with Chief Obasanjo not to abandon the party but to continue to guide the leadership for good governance despite being a national and international figure, the South West would continue to demand his support for the enhancement of its socio political development.

"We call on you 'baba' not to abandon us as we continue to need you to revive the PDP in the zone" Agboola said

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his response reiterated his interest in continued unity of Nigeria saying his political interest transcend regional or ethnic agenda.He said his disposition accounted for his continued defence and protection of all ethnic groups in the country and that he has ensured that against all odds,that a minority was able to lead this country.

"All of you will recall how I took the leaders of the South West to Ibadan and I made sure we were the first to endorse President Jonathan even against the wish of some Governors then"Obasanjo stated

He said his cries against Marginalisation of the South West was to ensure that there was political balance in the country and thus help President Jonathan in managing the country.

" the problem started when South West could not get what was due to it at the start and nothing was done to correct it despite drawing the attention to this and we made several efforts to also ensure that Governors were aligned with the President but it was not made possible by the attitude of some aides of the President" He said.

He reiterated his continued support for the PDP as a "card carrying member" because the party gave him the opportunity of ruling the country but that he was unable to accept to be associated with people with criminality and self serving agenda.

Obasanjo congratulated the new Pressure group for coming together to salvage the zone from the present political leadership problem and disunity but advised them to avoid people with selfish motives and criminal tendencies. " All of you know where you come from and our people will not accept people who are tainted with evil and corrupt tendencies and who are self centered without the interest of the people of the Zone, so I wish you well and am ready to receive you when you want." Obasanjo said.

The Group also paid a courtesy visit to the former National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George to congratulate him on the Supreme Court verdict saying his innocence and integrity has been vindicated.The group called on him to provide a a rallying point for other leaders in ensuring that the zone got its due in the Federation.

Present at the meeting were Sen Hosea Agboola, Deputy Chief Whip, Senate, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode former Minister of Defence,formerAmbassador to Ghana Musiliu Obanikoro, Kunle Yussuf,Member UBEC,Dr Eddy Olafeso former Commissioner in Ondo state,Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye,DG National Sport Commission,Dr Ade Dosunmu,former Lagos Gov Candidate,chief Sola Oke former Governorship candidate Ondo state,Barr Segun Ilori,former COS Ekiti, Mrs Funmi Lamuye,Member National Assembly service Commision,Hon Wole Oke, former Chairman Defence committee House of Representatives Governorship aspirant Osun and Mrs Tolani Animashaun,Lagos state House of Reps candidate.