The Southwest Youth Lobby Committee has saluted governors of states controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the north for supporting the shift of power to the south next year. The group described the governors as the “real heroes”, saying their action was the “most honorable and courageous decision we need as a party and nation in the spirit of fairness, equity and commitment to the stability of our dear nation”.
In a statement issued by 11 members of the committee, the interest group said: “This singular move has resolved more than half of the anxieties and significantly so. It has shown that the progressives are not power drunk and are forward thinkers; that the progressives are a people that place the interest of all above the interest of self. This move has set aright all speculations of a northern agenda to retain power through the back door or clandestinely orchestrate a process that allow a return of a northerner post the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari”.
The signatories include: Bayo Adenekan, Titilope Gbadamosi, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, Kazeem Faleye, Babajide Akeredolu and Ahmed Babalola. Others are: Lanre Oyegbola, Dayo Iyaniwura, Rinsola Abiola, Owolabi Awosan and Kabir Aregbesola.
The group further said: “History will bear this audacious statement out. It shall be for generations yet unborn that against all, we had men who stood in the path of what is just, right, fair, equitable and honourable, even in the times where these attributes have been said severally to be scarce in our political circle and parties. Yet again, with the Northern Governors in the APC, history has been made and a good record has been set.
“We the young people of the south of Nigeria therefore salute the courage of our governors and leaders for this great move and commend them greatly for being the stabilising force in this very dire moment of our party choosing its flag bearer. We believe that this move is one of the most important. It will end the evil predictions of an APC implosion post its primaries.
“This effort of the Northern bloc within the party has also made the work easy for the President who, at his meeting with the aspirants, supported the decision of the northern bloc and also encouraged our southern aspirants to work together to ensure we (as a party) come out of the primaries with a process that unites us and makes us stronger and well positioned for victory.
“All of these are moments history shall make a note of and we wish to put on record that the resilience that drives the Nigerian spirit is one that many are yet to understand or unravel. As a people we typically come out of very troubled situations stronger and then make the most of our strains. This is what makes the world marvel at our magic. And again, the President as a leader of conscience and as a statesmen has yet given hope and inspiration. And we say a big thank you, Sirs.
“We will remember this moment”!
