A former envoy and contender for the seat of Ondo South Senatorial District in the Senate, Ambassador Sola Iji, has promised to work with the relevant government and private bodies to restore electricity to the district, which has been in blackout for years, if elected.
He gave the pledge during his meeting with the chairman, vice chairman, leader of council, secretary to the local government and councillors of Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government, as part of his mobilisation visits to the six Local Government Areas of the district.
A statement by the Director General of the Ambassador Sola Iji Campaign Organisation, (ASICO.,) Onibudo ’Wole Iroaye, reported Iji as saying: “As a lawyer, we make laws to regulate the society to make for growth and development.
“We have been in blackout for years. We have to meet government to account for the representation. That is why councilors are elected, legislators are elected. We can meet the executive to provide what our people need.
“As an ambassador, I represented Nigeria on a daily basis in Togo. If Nigeria could afford to send me to Togo, I am not less qualified to be at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Some of us have been in the party for long; and I know our party members. As chairman of party, I never locked my door. If I am given the ticket, I will not disappoint you.
“It is only fair, if we have six local governments, five out of these six local governments have gone to the Senate, the one which has not gone should be allowed to go. Ese Odo has not gone to the Senate. Our sense of justice, equity and fairness should be brought to the fore.”
He said: “I am here to inform you that I am aspiring to represent South Senatorial District at the Senate. I am here to solicit your support. We have seen the party excos and leaders, and because you are more than necessary, we are here to meet you.
“I am aspiring to do at the federal level what you are doing at the local level. I am interested in going to the Senate. It is also time to deepen that representation. There must be a way by which we reward each other. I am not over qualified and I am not less qualified.”
Noting that he was humbled by the opportunity given to him by the chairman and councillors to address them, Iji apologised for coming late to the occasion.
Responding, the chairman of the local government, Hon Michael Akinsuroju, said: “Bi e ti wi l’o maa ri, eyii ti e wi yen, aro a ro mo o, bi e ti wi l’o maa ri.
“This is a time for reward. You have done excellently. You have championed the cause of the party right from the days of AD., AC., and ACN. If not for you, Hon Wale Akinterinwa, etc, the party would not have reached this stage.
“The issue is that people should bring their result sheets for us to examine as to their competence and qualifications. In your own case, we have seen your result and your result sheet is excellent.”
Addressing his colleagues, the chairman said: “Now that we are statutory delegates, let us use our power to help him. Loyalty should be rewarded. Money is good, but not everything. Omoluabi ni Ambassador Sola Iji.
“Therefore, this is not about money. This is about somebody who can deliver to the party.”
Akinsuroju assured Iji: “No doubt, you are a man of integrity like our governor. We will not disappoint you.”
Also, the council’s vice chairman, Hon Adeboye Adebare, said: “I thank God for people like you, Ambassador Sola Iji. When the party was nowhere to be found, you were there. When the forest was thick, you bulldozed it, you burnt it.
“I wish you well. Our leaders will talk and when they talk, we will listen to them. I wish you well.”
In his own response, the Leader of the council, Hon Rotimi Ogungbemi, said: “You are a father to us all in the South Senatorial District. You have worked for the party. When it is time, the Lord will be with you and you will be anointed.
“Take the party as your priority. When you win, help us to talk to Mr Governor because we councillors are suffering and dying. As you continue in the struggle, the Lord will strengthen you.”
On his own, the Majority Leader of the council, Hon Adenusi Omoboyowa, told Iji: You have done well. You are a friend of the local government. When our leader, Baba Adesoji died, we saw you, you stood behind us, you did not leave the family. You are indeed a party man.”
He told his colleagues: “Let us urge our delegates to work favourably for Ambassador Sola Iji. I advise that we should be close to the governor and leaders.”
Noting that aspirants are now helping to promote the party, he told Iji: “As for you, we will continue to pray for you and give you our support.”
Giving vote of thanks, the campaign Director General said: “”We have brought to you a man of honour, a leader of leaders and a personality who we have confidence in as one who can give us adequate representation at the red chamber of the National Assembly.”
Iroaye urged the chairman and officials of the council to “give support to His Excellency, Ambassador Sola Iji so that he can get the ticket to the Senate.”
Thereafter, he thanked the chairman of council, vice chairman, leader of council, secretary to the local government and the “distinguished councillors” for the honour done Iji by allowing him to meet with them in respect of his senatorial interest.
The meeting ended in a grace said in unison.
Sitting from left: ASICO DG, Chief ‘Wole Iroaye; the leading Ondo South Senatorial aspirant, Ambassador Sola Iji; and Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo LG Chairman, Hon Michael Akinsuroju
Cross section of attendees at the gathering
