Sequel to the defection of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, some political associates of the deputy governor, have assured Gov. Makinde that they would remain loyal and committed to him and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP despite their boss’s defection.
They made this known on Monday, in a statement, signed by Alhaji Salami Lateef Komi – Group Leader, Alhaji Najeem Ahmed Omirinde – Coordinator (Chairman OYO-RUWASA), Mr. Omolere Omoetan – SSA Media to Deputy Governor, Mr. Taiwo Alabede – Saki East, Mr. Alesiloye Ibrahim – Atisbo LGA and Mr Yinka Oladimeji – Ibadan North.
The statement reads: “The defection of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan from the PDP to the APC has been a subject in the news for a while. Even though this move is, of course, an open secret which has been envisaged among political watchers and newsmen, we have, as political associates of the Deputy Governor, refrained from speaking about it to anyone either in the open or in our private life.
“Our decision to keep mum on the defection speculations, before it was finally confirmed by the Deputy Governor, was borne out of absolute respect for the office and person of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan with the hope that the speculations would eventually not become a reality.
“Even though our unwavering loyalty to the Governor, His Excellency, ‘Seyi Makinde and commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has somewhat denied some of us privileges and opportunities for a long time, our independent-mindedness and objective disposition to what is right or wrong has created in us a conviction that it pays to stand for a just course devoid of personal sentiments or emotions.
“It is on this note we wish to unequivocally reaffirm our absolute loyalty to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde who has not only restored our sense of pride and honour with his purposeful leadership, but also reshaped the political landscape across the length and breath of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“We also wish to state that we remain as PDP members and have absolutely nothing to do with the All Progressives Congress to which the Engr Rauf Olaniyan has moved into.
“We also re-dedicate ourselves to the PDP and will continue to be committed and loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde and our great party.
“Our decision to remain committed and loyal PDP members is not an act of disloyalty to Engr. Rauf Olaniyan and should never at any point be misconstrued as such because we are men of freewill. Engr. Rauf Olaniyan himself would often say -“Politics is Free Entry And Free Exit”.
“It is our hope that he will also apply that same line of thought to our decision. We humbly wish Engr. Rauf Olaniyan best of luck in his present political sojourn”, the statement concluded.
Their position shows that the deputy Governor had been dealing with his enemies for so long. Seyi Makinde is gradually turning himself to an emperor in Oyo state. We shall remain here watching how events would unfold in the next few months.