Ogun LG Poll: Youths, Residents Reject Selection Process of Candidates In Sagamu LG

Youths as well as  residents of Sagamu, Sagamu Local council area of Ogun State, have rejected the selection process of candidates of All Progressives Congress ( APC) in the forthcoming local government elections of the State.

They alleged that the screening exercise which was held on 17th of May, 2021 was hijacked by moneybags who outmuscled other qualified aspirants in favour of unqualified aspirants with their financial strength while some of Governor Dapo Abiodun's cabinet members, a member of state house representatives, members of house of assembly looked on, saying that they the process was faulty.

It would be recalled that the ruling APC adopted consensus, direct and indirect primaries to choose its chairmanship and councillorship candidates 

Ogun APC Publicity Secretary Tunde Oladunjoye announced this in a chat with newsmen shortly after the party’s stakeholders meeting at the weekend inside the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

They appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and APC leaders in the State to intervene in the matter,  revealing that a total of 33 aspirants were screened on the screening day. 

While speaking to Newsmen, a resident of Sagamu - Remo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the process was not fair and just as qualified aspirants were disqualified without no justification.

He said " No level playing ground for aspirants, it is just as if there is a planned agenda for the selection exercise because the qualified aspirants were screened out without no reasons".

" It is clear injustice. An injustice to one is an injustice to all". 

Also, a concerned youth who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said, it was an eyesore when a Frontline and youthful aspirant ( name withheld ) was abruptly disqualified without no reason.

He allegedly said "  Onanuga Oriyomi Adenuga Member House Of Rep (Remo Federal Constituency), Hon. Funmi Efuwape Commissioner for women affairs, Hon. Ayoola Elegbeji Commissioner For Justice Hon. Abdul Bashir Oladunjoye Member HOA (Deputy Majority leader)

Hon. Adeniran Ademola Adeyinka,  Member HOA Sagamu Constituency 2, all of them were there and couldn't stop the charade".

" We will not take it, that is why we are calling on the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and APC leaders to intervene in the matter. 

In another development, Remo Youth Association has reacted to the selection process of candidates across the three local councils in Remo Land, describing the process as ruling out youths aspiration.

The association made this known in a statement e-signed by his Public Relation Officer, Comrade Azeez Akinbowale.

RYA however called for more youths inclusion in the process for the development of democracy before it is too late.

The statement reads "It has come to our notice the state at which governance come to play among political leaders,dealers, overruling the aspirations of some promising youths on good governance in Remo land.

One they say,youth are veritable tools for good governance and even development to our society. It's  saddening and disheartening for some elders, playing childish and selfish politics in the ongoing local government council electioneering process across Ogun state ruling out youth aspirations among various political parties" .

According to them, " We commend the frontline campaign of the leadership of the Gateway state,on the all inclusive campaign. It's just pitiable, some dealers called leaders trying all means to jettison the good mission of democratic governance in the state.

We have observed from all width and breadth across the three local government areas in  Remo land, on how politicians  failed in the youth inclusiveness on this forth coming local council election in Ogun state.

Less you forget, most of our leaders,we look up to today, start there leadership career at a youthful ages,likes of General Yakubu Gowon(31 years old),General Murtala Muhammed (37 years old), General Olusegun Obasanjo (39 years old),Major General Muhammadu Buhari (41 years old) Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi 42 years old) and many more both national and regional level of the country".

RYA said "It saddening our hearts, some faithful leaders, can't stand firm,rally up and give adequate support, mentorship and encouragement to the youth, who have shown interest to run for the local government council election,rather they continue bringing old folks for councillorship positions across various wards in the three local government areas in Remo land.

We emphatically call on all political parties leaders across Remo land,it's one who give rooms for youth inclusiveness in governance we would respect,honour, support, when the needs call. It's high time we take the bull by the horn and be watchful of those who have the interest of the youth in mind".

The statement concluded "We sincerely commend the government of Kogi state, on a laudable stride, giving the youth a sense of belonging in local council, making all youth local government coordinators as the secretary to there various local government areas.

 This should be seeing as a role call and eye opener to the governor of Ogun state on youth inclusiveness in governance. As your campaign tagged;all inclusive, "Building our future together".