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B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News |
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Obasanjo extols Afolabi, M.K.O.kola olabisi, tunji omofoye IN a moving tribute, President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday extolled the virtues of the late Chief S. M. Afolabi and Chief M.K.O. Abiola, describing them as old boys of his alma mater, Baptist Boys High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, who bestrode the nation�s political terrain as colossuses. The President who for the first time since he assumed office in 1999, publicly acknowledged Abiola�s role in the nation�s political development, also debunked the notion that he abandoned Afolabi durig his travails over the National Identity Card scam. He said the citizenry appreciated Abiola�s role in the realisation of democracy in the contry, adding that as an old boy of BBHS, �he (Abiola) recorded laudable achievements�. Speaking at a service held in Afolabi�s honour at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State, the President recalled his longstanding relationship with the former Internal Affairs Minister and the invaluable contributions he made in his capacity as a public officer. Obasanjo, however, drew a line between personal relationship and responsibility expected of public officers, saying that there should be no sacred cows in a bid to have a reformed society. He said his administration would continue to pursue vigorously high ethical and moral standard, adding that erring public officers would be held accountable for what they did or left undone in accordance with the laws of the society. Apparently referring to a rumour that he was not in good terms with the late minister over the National Identity Card scam, Obasanjo cleared the air, insisting that his relationship with Afolabi remained intact until the late minister breathed his last. �I was closely in touch with the late Afolabi, who was my senior at Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, in his sick bed until he died�, he said. The President urged Nigerians to be cautious of their utterances and actions in public life, saying that the outside world was watching and often base, their opinion about the country on the behaviour of national leaders. He said the family of Afolabi should not be bothered about rumours by mischief makers urging them to take consolation in the good legacies that the deceased left behind. The President, who said that Nigerians should be proud of the achievements made by Nigerians in public office, also said they should find away of solving whatever problems In his speech, the Osun State Governor, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said the late minister would be remembered for his contribution to the nation�s politics and the role he played for the success of the ruling party in the South-West. �Let history therefore remember S.M. Afolabi as a noble democrat and as one of the foundation members of sustained democracy in our dear country�, he said. His Oyo State counterpart Senator Rashidi Ladoja described the late minister as a man of strong determination and impeccable character. According to Ladoja, Afolabi led a life worthy of emulation and his sterling qualities endeared him to all and sundry including his political adversaries. Former Oyo State Governor, Dr Omolulu Olunloyo, however, said the nation must learn how to celebrate those, who had served the country meritoriously, adding that Afolabi had contributed immensely to public service and the political development of the country. Dignitaries at the ceremony included ministers, deputy governors of Oyo and Osun states, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Tony Anenih, PDP chieftains and top government functionaries from Oyo and Osun states Meanwhile, a statement from the office of the Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola implored the staff of the State House of Assembly to be on hand at the Assembly complex to receive the remains of the late minister who was a father figure in the PDP controlled state at 10 a.m. Oyinlola also enjoined workers and all citizens to attend an inter-religious service in honour of the late minister at the Osogbo township stadium today at 11 a.m. A commendation service for the late minister was held yesterday (Thursday) at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State and a command performance of the MICOM Golf Hotel, Ada in Boripe Local Government Council Area of the state in the evening
Friday, June 25, 2004 |
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