By Ismaeel Uthman
A First Republic senator in Nigeria, Pa Ayo Fasanmi has described the former governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as an ambassador of progressives’ ideology and a strong politician.
Fasanmi, in a congratulatory message to Aregbesola on his 63rd birthday said the Nigeria’s Minister of Interior shared the same vision with the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo on politics and governance.
According to Fasanmi in the message obtained by OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, Aregbesola’s eight years administration in the State of Osun proved to people that there are differences between progressive and conservative governance, as he brought physical changes and transformation to the state.
The Afenifere leader said: “Aregbesola is one of my political sons. I have known him since the period he was commissioner under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. I was the Vice National Chairman of Alliance Democracy then. He is very nice to me. He has respect for leaders.
“Aregbesola is typical progressive-minded politician. He might not meet Awolowo, but he shared the same vision ideologically with Awolowo. I know he might have read or heard about Awolowo or what progressivism stands for when he was a youth.
“As Governor of the State of Osun, he laid the good foundation which my son, cool headed and brilliant Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is building on. Aregbesola is a leading Ambassador and a leader to emulate as core progressive politician.”
Fasanmi added: “Aregbesola is a strong politician who has laid a good example for all his followers to emulate. During the struggles to retrieve his stolen mandate, he did not lose hope for almost three and half years which the case lasted. He stood firm; he didn’t deviate because he had faith that justice would prevail at the end of the day.
“He reclaimed his stolen mandate and proved to the people of Osun that there are differences between progressive and conservative governance. He performed very well. He brought physical changes to the state. He provided social amenities for the people of Osun. He constructed massive roads, built schools and he brought good legacies and made a name for himself in the history of Osun politics.
“At 63, he has just started his service to humanity. I can say that Rauf has come, seen and by the grace of God he will conquer.”