A Coalition of Civil Society Organisation have thrown their weights behind Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), representing Ekiti Central Senatorial district,to emerge the 10th Senate Majority Leader.
The group comprised of several CSOs are rooting for Senator Bamidele citing his pedigree and leadership qualities, while urging fellow senators to give him required consideration for the NASS principal
officer position (Majority Leader).
In a statement jointly signed by the headship of the six CSOs – Comrade Olufemi Akindele – Lawson Transparency and Accountability Group (TAG), Comrade Omotaje Olawale – Saint WorkBond International Network (WIN),Comrade Funmi Ajayi Gender Equity Movement, Ahmed Balogun
Frontline Socio – Economic Research Centre (FSERC), Comrade Declan Ilekhiarie Human Right , Nigeria and Comrade Obajare Enitan Youth League Academy.
“As the race for the “Majority Leader” of the 10th. Senate hots up, we are compelled by patriotic fervour, as veritable civic partners in the nation’s promises of a new Beacon of Hope of the present administration.
“We, loudly call the attention of Distinguish Senators to put past deeds, records , service to humanity, and impeccable loyal personality into consideration in their selection of the “Majority Leader” for the Senate.
“We are not un-aware of the fact that the selection process is a party affair, largely on unanimous consensus.”
The Coalition unequivocally urged the Senate to give the said position to Senator Bamidele who in their view possess all the needed antecedents.
“For whatever, it may worth , it becomes important to put in the public domain that Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), representing Ekiti Central Senatorial district, is a credible , material for the post.
“If due considerations of the antecedence and political profile of Senator Opeyemi is well appraised, it would not be difficult to arrive at his strategic import to the new administration.
“M.O.B is an integral part of the vibrant civil society movement that heroically championed the berth of our contemporary democratic governance .
“He may have been lost to partisan politics yet , his records speak volumes for his leadership qualities as an organisational person.
“Right from his undergraduate days , first at Obafemi Awolowo University , then, Ife – Varsity, he was a committed “organisational cadre” of the radical students movement , becoming the Public Relations Officer of the Union .
“At University of Benin (UNIBEN) where, he pursued his Law degree program, he was made the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS President – 89 – 90 session. Under Opeyemi / Aghaneno Leadership , the students movement vanguard the masses yearnings for alternative , humane economic policy , by leading the ” Anti SAP protest against the gap – tooth, maximum ruler , General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida absolute military regime. This protest shook the military dictatorship to it’s foundation.
“Despite running a successful Law Chamber in Lagos , Abuja and New York , he yielded to the call to public duty, serving as cabinet member in the Lagos State administration under Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu . 1999 – 2007 .
“He later went to become a member of the House Representative from Ekiti state where he displayed sterling leadership qualities.
“It is apposite to note that,at a point he was so loyal to the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration that he literally ” took – a – bullet” for him . Even when he threw his hat in the ring to run for Ekiti Governorship seat, he was prevailed upon to step down for the greater interest of the Party.
“He is a rare breed politician who believes in “Party Supremacy ” and ” Organisational Cohesion”. This , to our mind are outstanding imperatives to stabilize our budding democracy for growth and, sustainable development.
“We, therefore call on Senators in the 10th . Senate to soberly reflect and consider , Opeyemi Bamidele as their choice for “Majority Leader”. The nation must be put First . We need all proven , capable hands on deck for the tasks ahead.”