A former president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Lanre Ogundipe, has said it is time the people of Oyo State speak out against political alarobos and desperados.
He said this in a statement made available to Newscoven.ng, declaring that the people should take their fate in their hands and vote against those he called “political alarobos and desperados” in the state.
Ogundipe, a revered leader and elder in the journalism fraternity, once served as the chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, before he was elected as the president of the Union.
Speaking on the governorship election holding in the state tomorrow, the former NUJ president said the political alarobos will be disgraced at the polls.
He said the political leaders who belonged to the class of alarobos and desperados were only interested in causing chaos in the state.
According to Ogundipe, they were only pursuing selfish agenda that would not serve the interest of the state and its people.
He said time has come to stop politics of godfatherism in the state, adding that the people should not be coerced or scared away from exercising their franchise.
“It is time we speak out before some self-serving desperados plunge Oyo State into chaos while pursuing an agenda that would not serve the interest of the good people of the state.
“Those desperados and leaders who are used to showcasing themselves as political alarobos will be disgraced in tomorrow’s governorship election in Oyo State.
“We hereby warn that tomorrow’s election should be devoid of any form of political harakiri or voters’ harassment by these political alarobos.
“The people should not be coerced or scared away from exercising their franchise. Time has also come to stop godfatherism politics in the state.
“Those beating their chest for possessing magic wands to manipulate or point to people of Oyo State where to cast their ballot, should know that the days of their Almajiri politics is gone.
“We should be resolute in our decision to return the state to the place of glory and honour that it once occupied.
“We should not to submit to any selfishness which had diminished the worth and dignity of our beloved state.
“The state can no longer allow those with insatiable quest for material acquisition to continue their horse trading with the lives and future of our people.
“The brigandge of maiming and harassing people should stop forthwith.
These same ignoble people, coralling people to toe their line, are the major contractors in the state.
“Their principal has been using his cronies for government patronage for decades, yet they are not satisfied.
“Oyo State, time has come for your deliverance and salvation. My dear people, liberate yourself and vote wisely against these political alarobos and desperados,” the former NUJ president stated.