The Ogun State chapter of the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned the crisis between the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, saying that the issue between the two may plunge the State into political violence.
Addressing a Press Conference in Abeokuta on Sunday, the Chairman of CUPP in the State, Otunba Femi Soluade said the Ogun State Government, marking Gbenga Daniel’s private residence and hotel for demolition, is nothing short of political persecution and a brazen attempt to destroy the legacy of a man who has given his all to the state.
Soluade, who is also the Ogun State Chairman of African Democratic Congress, ADC said the crisis between Otunba Daniel and Prince Dapo Abiodun is not only an insult to democracy but also an insult to the very soul of our people.
“We have observed with shock and utter disappointment the deliberate victimization of His Excellency, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) a two-term Governor of this state, a performing Senator of the Federal Republic, and a statesman of unmatched service to Ogun people.
“The recent action by the Ogun State Government, marking OGD’s private residence and hotel for demolition, is nothing short of political persecution and a brazen attempt to destroy the legacy of a man who has given his all to this state.
“Let us be clear: this is shameful, vindictive, and a dangerous abuse of power. Ogun State is not built on envy, hatred, or pettiness. Our politics must never descend into the destruction of individuals simply because of political differences.
CUPP said “If the target is to weaken OGD politically or hijack his senatorial ticket, why not allow the people in your own party to freely decide through primaries? Why resort to cheap blackmail, intimidation, suspension, and disgraceful acts that were so embarrassing that the APC in the state within 24 hours stamped the suspension. What a show of shame!
The Association said further that the “attempt to rubbish OGD is an attempt to rubbish the dignity of Ogun people. We will not sit down and watch while the present administration uses the machinery of government to witch-hunt a respected elder statesman.
CUPP then demanded “that the Governor immediately rescind this reckless action, saying that Ogun people reject any form of politics of bitterness and destruction.
“That the dignity of our leaders be respected, regardless of party differences.
“Otunba Gbenga Daniel is not just a politician; he is a builder, a mentor, and a leader whose contributions to Ogun State will stand the test of time. He deserves respect, not humiliation.
CUPP vows to support former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and “resist every attempt to silence him, to destroy him, or to erase his legacy. Democracy is about ideas, not demolition.
“The present government must understand that power is transient, but history is permanent. No Governor, no matter how powerful, can rewrite the truth: OGD remains one of the finest leaders Ogun State has produced.
We say enough is enough! Ogun people will not tolerate politics of vendetta.
“Despite Party difference, CUPP will always advocate for Fairness,Equity and Justice, for those God wants to destroy,he first makes their heart hardened,and repressive tendency that is the stock in trade in APC ruling party in Ogun State is becoming their death kneel and this give upportunity for other political parties to excel and provide alternative where civilization,probity, Fairness equity and justice prevail.
“Let Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration which is at its twilight note that CUPP will be ready to initiate a legal action or join Otunba Justus Gbenga Daniel in court if the need arise before our dear State becomes a banana Republic.
Also in his contribution, a member of CUPP in the State, Chief Sola Coker called on Prince Dapo Abiodun to continue to work for the progress of the State, adding that the Governor is supposed to be a father and promoter of peace in his state, “but destroying and demolishing property and investment of the citizenry falls short of this.
Chief Coker, a Chieftain of Social Democratic Party, (SDP) warned against politics of bitterness saying the duo apart from being a member of the same Party, also belongs to the same zone in the State.
