O
yo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has extolled the virtues of former governor of Osun State and ex-national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, saying he remains a strong pillar needed by the PDP.
Makinde said the former governor remained one personality whose return to the PDP he would like to see.
According to him, Oyinlola possessed the qualities and credibility of a leader who can pull every member of the PDP together in the South-West.
“If you ask me about the individual that I want his presence back in PDP in this South-West; someone who can lead us and pull everybody together, Oyinlola will be my number one candidate,” he said.
But in reaction to the governor’s commendation, Oyinlola said he was overwhelmed by the display of brotherhood and cordiality extended to him by Makinde, noting that there would be avenues for further talks.
He assured the governor that whenever he was going to make a decision on his next step in politics, it would be done in the open.
The former Osun governor said, “If I must confess to you, indiscipline and not fearing God started the crisis in the PDP. It is rather unfortunate that it started with me. Why did I say so? I was duly elected as secretary and, overnight, I was no longer the secretary. Some people felt it was injustice and could not let it go. One thing led to the other and before we knew it, seven governors came together and decided that they would leave the party.
“In fact, the movement was to serve as a scare-crow. We wanted to give them the fear so that they would call everybody to discuss the problem and settle it amicably. But sentiment came from the leader and he said the agitating governors had no electoral value. Saying that seven serving governors lacked electoral value was the height of arrogance and lack of belief in the Lord.
“I want to pray that God will steer a new course, new belief, new discipline and the fear of the Lord in the party, and the party will get there.
“In a radio interview, I was asked where I was and I told them ADC. They asked me where I would go if I were to leave ADC. I said I didn’t know where it would be but definitely not APC. I said it and I know why I said so because I know when a wife has married two husbands; he would know who among the two is better.
“If anything is going to change, I am not a man for the corner. I will stand on the centre stage at any time because I have always believed in standing upright anywhere I belong. If anything is going to be taken further beyond here, you will all know and know in the open.”
