Ordinarily we had no plan to publicly respond to the free transfer of two of our former associates knowing full well that politics is dynamic and politicians like professional footballers, change sides as they pursue interests. However, in the light of the social media outbursts since they were unveiled by their new team, we feel the need to clarify some issues.
1. Mr. Theo Shakara and Mr. Abiodun Adeyelu were valuable former associates. That we found them worthy to handle vital responsibilities at some point in our campaign is testimony to their value. When we describe people as associates, it is an indication that they offered some value. Hence, nobody should attempt to undermine the same persons for taking a different route.
2. The two gentlemen alongside a few others were relieved of their appointments as personal aides in August 2021 after two years of service to give others who equally made sterling contributions to our victory a chance to benefit. More so, reshuffling is a norm especially when there are trust issues that were brought to light by their unveiling.
3. In the course of a telephone discussion between the MHR and one of the former associates on Sunday 9th January 2022, he explained that he needed to change side because the political family was fraternizing with one of his family members. He stated that he could NEVER belong to the same political camp with that family member. Given our publicly acknowledged policy of not inheriting other people’s enemies, we elected to continue the pursuit of new additions rather than curtailing growth opportunities because of the family feud of associates. We will never join anyone to make enemies. We need to also state clearly against the spurious claim of the other camp that Mr Shakara was in charge of our liaison office in Oka AKoko. As a matter of fact, we have just two liaison officers. Mr Adeyelu covered for the entire South West while Mr Oripelaye Akeem covered for the South East.
4. The second associate who is resident in Lagos and was largely unavailable in AKoko, in the course of conversations with other associates explained that his tax free monthly stipend of one hundred thousand Naira (N100,000) was inadequate to meet his financial needs. He added that he intended to continue his pursuit of a seat in the Ondo State House of Assembly, hence, the need for strategic re-alignment to a team where he could be offered the House of Assembly ticket in the event that his new leader chooses not to pursue his own long held aspiration. It’s a great thing to allow everyone aspire freely without bad blood.
We wish to state that transfer of players is allowed in politics just like in football. Some move in pursuit of better contracts while others may move to seek more playing opportunities. It’s all part of the game. While a few people have left our family, we are daily receiving people who were previously on other sides. As we desire that the new additions to our team should be respected and not demonized for joining us, we should equally do likewise to those who are moving away from us to pursue other interests.
We wish to thank our recently unveiled former associates for their services. We will meet and smile at one another like sportsmen do. We wish them well.
Signed :
Abire Sunday Olugbenga
Special Assistant, Media and Publicity.
23rd January, 2022.
