Barr. David Aiyedogbon: Let the Wisdom and Patience in You Defeat and Own the Future

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Seeing the APC election returns of Friday was more than I could comprehend. It seems the new generation of our delegates has no respect for the values, issues, and dedication that have characterized your months-long campaigns.

“WHO DARES WINS”. To my mind, this latter point, sooner or later, maybe identified as the most singular advantage of your campaign that was just terminated. I am aware, that it is not easy when you stand up and put yourself in contention for a position that is being sought by seasoned politicians. You were brave enough to do so, and I, like many others wish to congratulate you for seeking public office and for representing our community and our collective interest.

The most important thing in an election of this nature is to be resolute, prepared, and focused. I congratulate you for possessing these attributes. Campaigns are not for the fainthearted. They are tough – financially, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

You and your supporters waged a long and spirited campaign that was never before experienced in our constituency. You gave a reasoned voice to what many of us feel are the main issues of our time. I am not only proud of your efforts but also congratulate you. With people like you contesting for public offices, you have made your voice heard. It is this voice that projects our interests and values as a people. You are celebrated for taking the lead. You are appreciated for doing so at this time.

What you did takes considerable courage, hard work, and self-sacrifice. Those of us on the sidelines cannot imagine, much less understand, the investment you must have made of your most precious personal assets: emotion, energy, family, friendships, pride, reputation, resources, and talent all put forward with a view to serving our people and making our community better.

You may have probably felt anger, despair, disappointment, dismay, embarrassment, fatigue, frustration, pain, and regret, among many other things. No matter how much this may hurt, know that this shall pass. Sooner than later, you shall have a greater share of happiness, hope, surprises, pride, enthusiasm, satisfaction, pleasure, and fulfillment.

You may not have won the election but believe me when I say, you did not lose it.

So today, I join many descendants of Aiyegunle-Gbedde and indeed Ijumu localities to give credit to the man in you, who went into the arena, whose face was marred by dust and sweat; who strived valiantly and so hard to secure for the rest of us – the maximum good and benefits; who presented himself in a worthy cause; who refused to be identified as a cold and timid soul that neither knows victory nor defeat. Blessed are you for ever, for you shall be called our HERO.

Before joining active politics, you have been a passionate, kind, and generous man, helping the old and vulnerable within our community, providing opportunities for our youths, and empowering our women. Like some of our politicians that have toured this road before you, let what may appear as a loss in this election reveal to all, that you have the kind of mind and character that is itself a great victory.

Your main opponent may have seized the day and picked the ticket but let the wisdom and patience in you defeat and own the future. I look forward with enthusiasm to you pursuing the next opportunity for public service, elected or not. I look forward to your stronger influence in community affairs and developments for as long as you live. I look forward to you rising again to fight the next battle.

So go get yourself some much-needed rest until the demand for leadership position beckons again. Roll up your sleeves and be renewed with the task of making a difference by serving a cause greater than yourself. Be reassured that Aiyegunle-Gbedde needs you, Okun nation needs you and Nigeria needs you.

Be reassured further sir, that your best is yet to come.

– A. A. Zik-Rullahi, PhD


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