ONDO 2024
“FOR PDP AND ONDO STATE :
I AM THE TRUE ANSWER”
— MAFO OLA JOHN (MOJ): THE FAITHFUL SERVANT!
Precisely on Monday 26th February, 2024, the leadership of PDP, the leading opposition political party in Nigeria and Ondo State, met with the aspirants of the party to discuss the need to adopt a Consensus Candidate to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming governorship election later this year.
After the meeting, Femi Salako, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Triangle Magazine and Bayo Adediran, Editor-in-Chief of City Movers encountered Prince John Ola Mafo, popularly called MOJ who is believed, by his past records, steadfastness, integrity and loyalty to the party, to be the favourite aspirant of PDP. Below are the key points highlighted by the former Information Commissioner in the Sunshine State.
Speaking shortly after the meeting at the party secretariat, where the leaders of the party disclosed the plan to adopt the consensus option, Prince Mafo, declared:
“I am obliged to put certain things on record in expectation of the best decision that will ensure victory for PDP and guarantee good governance in the interest of the teeming masses of the Sunshine State.
First and foremost, it is apposite to observe that the decision to adopt the Consensus option is salutary, certainly a product of deep, practical and realistic approach to the situation on ground being an opposition party. It is a confirmation of the burning desire of the leadership of the party to do everything fit and proper to ensure that PDP rescues our dear state from the shackles of carpet baggers and pretenders at the helm of affairs in the state”.
In butressing the point about the suitability of the consensus option, Prince Mafo said:
“The option is expected not only to minimise cost by avoiding a full-blown primary, but also to avoid the mostly negative fallout of such contentious primary.
It is equally worthy of commendation that the option as proposed by the party leadership enjoys overwhelming support among the aspirants, including yours sincerely MOJ. I dare to submit that all well-meaning members and leaders of our party should pray and work towards the success of the option in the overall interest of our great party and by extension the people of the state”.
Speaking further, the Prince of Aheri from Zion-Pepe Ilaje Local Government area postulated:
“Whether by consensus or any other arrangement, the Candidate that the party needs is one with a track record of service delivery, with character and integrity; someone consistent, loyal, humble, faithful, diligent and trustworthy; whose name will resonate not only among the stakeholders of the party, but also with the general populace of the state, who will ultimately elect the Governor they can trust to reverse the negative effects of poor leadership on our beloved state in the last seven years of APC administration.
For emphasis, to all intents and purposes, the Governor that Ondo State needs now, is not just someone with ambition, with a lust for power and fame, but someone with the dream, vision and passion, in line with the postulation of Harry S. Truman, President of USA (1945-1953), to the effect that: “Men make history and not the other way round. In periods when there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for better “.
Put in another way, without any equivocation, the path to humble, purposeful and sacrificial service is for a select few, born with innate abilities, inspired by vision and passion, honed by practical experiences and historical struggles and sustained on discipline, loyalty, faithfulness, consistency, courage, sincerity of purpose, honest intentions and integrity!”
Rounding off his submission, the two-term Commissioner in the administration of Dr Olusegun Agagu and Special Adviser/Chairman of Board under Governor Olusegun Mimiko, MOJ who is also known as The Faithful Servant said:
“I am obliged to submit, without fear or favour, affection or illwill, that my political actions, principles and policies over the years are products of genuine commitment to the struggle of the Nigerian people for better conditions of living as epitomised by Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), deriving from the UN, the African and other declarations of human rights!
It is should be noted that my decision to remain under the umbrella of the PDP since its inception in 1998 is born out of my personal judgment and conviction that PDP is the only credible and genuine platform, given its track record to provide the needed leadership to take Nigeria and Ondo State out of the wood, to our desired destination!
Finally, let me close this discourse with a universal idea or convention about the best option or choice. When an individual or a group of people are faced with the task of picking the best among good and attractive options, the winner shall be determined by going for the one with extra attractions or qualities that stand him out! That is the only path to safe and sure destination!
Today, among the array of well-educated, experienced and patriotic aspirants of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in Ondo, at the risk of sounding immodest, I dare say that I stand out, as the aspirant who combines consistency, unwavering loyalty and unquestionably dedication to the culture, tradition and core democratic values underlining the organisation, image and reputation of PDP as a party of the people”.
He concluded:
“All said and done, it is neither surprising nor out of place that I am now crowned, as The Faithful Servant!
With me holding the flag, under the umbrella, PDP is good to go!
Together, we shall aspire, together we shall achieve!”