Following the recent appointment of three Ikorodu indigenes into the cabinet of Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, an Ijede-born legal practitioner, APC chieftain and former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Ikorodu Chapter, Barr. S.O.K Shillings has reacted to the widespread criticisms that followed the announcement of the appointees, believed by many Ikorodu stakeholders as not representing popular expectations of party members.
Shillings described the decision of Ikorodu political leaders and the unfair treatment meted out to loyal and committed party members as that of masters and workers.
Read the full text of Barr S.O.K Shillings public statement, as reproduced, below;
THE WORKERS AND THEIR MASTERS I had thought that I could hold my peace and just watch. But, I have the (mis)fortune of my creation. I cannot hold it.
I saw it coming though. The masterplan of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to neutralize indigenous Lagosians to foster his political fiefdom is clear for all to see. And Ikorodu is the main target.
In preparation for the elections, Ikorodu dominated the Campaign Teams for the guber. The end shows that Ikorodus are mere labourers. Labourers in the decimation of their State.
Before 1999, 2 substantive commissioners for Ikorodu was a given. Now, Tinubu’s formula is a descending relevance with blames and sinful allegations against our hapless leaders as justification.
Now, we have only a Special Adviser albeit, there are a couple of Commissioners: one representing Ikeja and another representing special interest who are indigenes of the Division. Prince Lanre Sanusi who migrated to his motherland in search of golden fleece and who by his antecedents could have been a blessing was disqualified.
The politics is simple. The Mandate Group and Justice Forum are the Mainstream camps. For sometime now, the leadership of TMM have been used to undermine the collective leadership who are frontliners of JF.
Every agreement reached on appointment must be thwarted by counter lists. Asiwaju sponsors his cronies to challenge the leadership. It is divide-and-rule. In the end, we get the crumbs.
Those who complained and wrote an article entitled: ‘The sins of our fathers’ on the complaint that the leaders only care for their children and wards have now turned the situation to ‘the Glory of my father’.
The snag is that the appointments are for ‘technocrats’. And I wonder why the political field of Ikorodu could be seen as bereft of such class even when such person like Muniru Ajisebutu who was sent for special education overseas by the overlord is in the recommendation list not to mention the likes of F. O. Lasisi, Otunba Shaheed Ibikunle, Barr. Ijelu among others.
Ms Ruth Olusanya was busy in Ghana when she was appointed because her father is a leader. And it is not even important whether she is the only one. And it seems all is well. What a shame of a community!
Now, the Governor, Deputy Governor, 3 Senators, Speaker House of Assembly, Chief of Staff, important cabinet positions including the one who will decide who become Baales and Obas are non-indigenes. Yet, the youths whose glories are staked have taken refuge joining in congratulatory messages to their oppressors.
Well, perhaps they are now well represented in line with the not-too-young-to-rule mantra.
Deep in my heart, I do believe that those who are truly worried will overcome some day not far. Some day!
