Yoruba Elders Have Failed The People, Says Bankole

POWERHOUSE · Sep 1, 2009 , 11:59 PM

http://www.independentngonline.com/news/tfpg/article03

Yoruba Elders Have Failed The People, Says Bankole

By Daniel Kanu (Lagos) Oladele Ogunsola and Gbenga Abegunrin (Ibadan)

Yoruba elders came up for knocks on Monday in Ibadan where House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, hit back at them for pointing fingers at him and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He told them to their faces that they have failed the people at a Civil Society/Legistlative Interface organised by the Nigeria Voters Assembly at Mapo Hall.

Among those present were former Governor Lam Adesina of Oyo State; Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) founder, Fedrick Fasheun; Areoye Oyebola; Adeyemi Aderibigbe; Adebisi Busari; and Sabitiu Olagoke.

The hot exchanges began with some in the audience condemning President Umaru Yar'Adua, the National Assembly (NASS), and the PDP over the delay in the implementation of the Muhammed Uwais Report on electoral reform.

Aderibigbe, who claimed to be a close friend of Bankole's father, Alani, accused the son of not performing up to expectation, Adesina blamed the political and economic woes of the country on the PDP. Oyebola said the appropriate thing to do is to cry for Nigeria.

In turn, Bankole took a swipe at them one after another, ignoring their ages, and not minding whose ox was gored.

He delivered his formal address in English. Then he spoke in Yoruba to condemn them for referring to his age (39) in their speeches, whereas they too held public offices at his age.

His words: "We all know the age at which Obafemi Awolowo became the political leader of the Yoruba race. We know the ages at which you, his associates, were given opportunities to hold public offices. Yes, I am below 40 years of age, but the records are there. Many of you became Ministers and Commissioners before the age of 40."

Bankole also accused older Yoruba leaders of not contributing to the development of the South West, saying: "You elder ones ruined this country. Now we (younger ones) are making efforts to put things in order, and still you are condemning us."

Apparently referring to Adesina, he asked rethorically: "I am a former Governor? Leave (Obafemi) Awolowo out of this. Have I served before? When did you first hear about South West Economic Summit? Was it between 1979 and 1983 or between 1999 and 2003?

"Where was the OPC, where was the Afenifere to give me encouragement when I insisted that all unspent budgets should be returned to the treasury?"

Bankole counselled Nigerians to look beyond electoral reform for a lasting solution to political problems, even though he assured that the (NASS) would ensure that the reform is done so as to guarantee credible elections.

"I am burdened to task us as a people that our quest for a credible electoral system would not be brought about by legislation alone, no matter how beautifully crafted our electoral laws are."

Recalling the historic June 12, 1993 Presidential ballot, he emphasised that it was not produced by only open secret ballot.

''I stand to be challenged but I insist that it was not only open secret ballot that produced the phenomenon of June 12 under a military regime. Rather, it was the conduct of Nigerians across all the zones that resulted in that watershed election.

"The then military President (Ibrahim Babangida) appointed the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) (Humphrey Nwosu) and the funding of its operations was not consolidated.

''There was no law that litigation must be concluded before swearing in, but the way Nigerians conducted themselves and peacefully exhibited their resolve made it clear they were united in their conviction that democracy must replace military rule.

"There was no decree in the land to stand in the way of that exemplary conduct by the Nigerian electorate.

"Laws are made for the people and not the other way round. The conduct of the people may turn out to be the unwritten laws that will guide codified ones."

Bankole noted that the civil society-legislature partnership has proved an invaluable synergy in fashioning out people-oriented legislations as well as enhancing good governance.

''This collaboration enhances the ability of representatives to understand how the various contending and imperative issues can be integrated into legislations that will impact positively on the socio-economic and political wellbeing of the people.

"Such partnership, like this one initiated by the Nigeria Voters Assembly, will result in laws that are pro-active and responsive to the need for a credible electoral system that would stand the stresses and strains of the Nigerian political environment."

Bankole explained that the challenges facing the nation, including those of elections, are not for the leadership alone, which, nonetheless, should take on the greater task - but, at the end of the day, everyone, leaders and followers, all have to share responsibilities.

However, Adesina said the PDP would not carry out any electoral reform having been convinced that it would not be in its interest to do so because of its commitment to rigging and other forms of electoral malpractices.

http://www.independentngonline.com/news/tfpg/article03

VOR · Sep 2, 2009 , 04:33 AM

Omo ake!!!

You all are so far from being like papa o! infact you are performing way below expectations o!! its not too late to shift gear though, take the bull by the horn and steer Nigeria to the path of greatness some of us know you have the ability to do! oruko rere dara ju wura ati fadaka o!!!!

His words: "We all know the age at which Obafemi Awolowo became the political leader of the Yoruba race. We know the ages at which you, his associates, were given opportunities to hold public offices. Yes, I am below 40 years of age, but the records are there. Many of you became Ministers and Commissioners before the age of 40."

busanga · Sep 2, 2009 , 04:45 AM

In as much as I can't stand Bankole's political affiliation, I say God Bless you ! These geriatric elders need to be put in their place. Left to them, Lagos state will be in the clutches of the brothers of Mr. Speaker with their self defeatist in fighting and rancor that first tore Afenifere then AD apart. What a bunch of jobless pensioners! Members of a clearly, "wasted generation". Of all persons, Lam Adesina should shut up. His lack of performance subjected Oyo state to 12 years of Adedibu lunancy and probably more. What madness?

VOR · Sep 2, 2009 , 04:57 AM

If only they'll step aside! As one told me some months back, they don't feel confident enough to do so because we "younger generation" havent shown much promise! Well, they said not to be rude to agbalagbas now......so I politely told him that it will take a while for the younger generation to clear the rot they left for us moreso when they refuse to quit eating with both hands!

Originally Posted by busanga

In as much as I can't stand Bankole's political affiliation, I say God Bless you ! These geriatric elders need to be put in their place. Left to them, Lagos state will be in the clutches of the brothers of Mr. Speaker with their self defeatist in fighting and rancor that first tore Afenifere then AD apart. What a bunch of jobless pensioners! Members of a clearly, "wasted generation". Of all persons, Lam Adesina should shut up. His lack of performance subjected Oyo state to 12 years of Adedibu lunancy and probably more. What madness?

busanga · Sep 2, 2009 , 05:02 AM

Originally Posted by VOR

If only they'll step aside! As one told me some months back, they don't feel confident enough to do so because we "younger generation" havent shown much promise! Well, they said not to be rude to agbalagbas now......so I politely told him that it will take a while for the younger generation to clear the rot they left for us moreso when they refuse to quit eating with both hands!

True! Their generation did their fathers' terms, assuming positions in the newly independent country at 29 years and sometimes younger as Abroad returnees. They bled the system, and served their own term, and part of their kids' term. Now they are insisting on jostling with their grand kids...what a group of shameless folks..and of course, they are expert arm chair critics. In every other country, every generation strive to leave the country better than they met it- theirs is the opposite. They always seem to be out to inflict the most damage.

Dapxin · Sep 2, 2009 , 05:11 AM

& that is coming from the one who solemnly pledged colonels and troops in the path of electoral freedom in Ekiti, mrs. Ayoka style, Iwu brand type 2 ehn ?

papa adedibu must be having a laugh. god bless him, a true rascal of the yoruba race in his day. Honest and plain.

This one? olofo!

VOR · Sep 2, 2009 , 05:11 AM

They dont believe in mentorship o.....they will fight with people young enough to be their children over political positions! Shameful.

One even told me he doesnt see anything wrong in the statement Saraki allegedly made recently because as far as he is concerned....Saraki knows best for the people of Kwara. Some of these guys make me sick!! seriously!!!

Originally Posted by busanga

True! Their generation did their fathers' terms, assuming positions in the newly independent country at 29 years and sometimes younger as Abroad returnees. They bled the system, and served their own term, and part of their kids' term. Now they are insisting on jostling with their grand kids...what a group of shameless folks..and of course, they are expert arm chair critics. In every other country, every generation strive to leave the country better than they met it- theirs is the opposite. They always seem to be out to inflict the most damage.

toksy · Sep 2, 2009 , 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Dapxin

& that is coming from the one who solemnly pledged colonels and troops in the path of electoral freedom in Ekiti, mrs. Ayoka style, Iwu brand type 2 ehn ?

Abi ojare! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

I presume, that was what he meant when he said:

"You elder ones ruined this country. Now we (younger ones) are making efforts to put things in order, and still you are condemning us."

So, in his self-delusional world, the way to remedy what the elders did (that brought us to this shameful impasse) is to replicate the same folly as the elders. Now who is fooling who? what an imbecile.

In no time, he too will become an elder and the new generation will call him an "agbaya" to his face. what goes round, comes round.

M. Akosa · Sep 2, 2009 , 05:24 PM

God bless Dimeji for attempting to say it bravely as he just did.

What you see with aging Nigerian leaders and politicians is totally the opposite of what people in their shoes should be doing in civilized countries. At that age, an example of; Nelson Mandela or Ted Kennedy (RIP) were fully self actualized, playing nurturing, supporting and exemplary roles to the younger ones. They were beacons of hope and shinning references to good public service. They were not hurting any one or competing with young people. They would rather reason, compromise and cooperate with conflicting or dividing issues.

While in Nigeria, the grey hairs of our older leaders and politicians, amounts to geriatric senile dementia, deception and cunning traits.
They have nothing good or positive to offer their younger ones. Their mere continued visibility or presence in power and corridors of power is very sickening and repulsive.

Thank you Dimeji.

denker · Sep 2, 2009 , 05:35 PM

Yoruba Elders Have Failed The People, Says Bankole

....oopla, make i komot from dis thread...i no go put mouth for Oduduwa wahala...i get my own wahala...lol!

Ewuro · Sep 2, 2009 , 06:34 PM

Well said, Dimeji Bankole. Have you told a certain elderly politician, Chief Alani Bankole, whose innermost chamber you have unfettered access the same thing.

FSU · Sep 3, 2009 , 03:09 AM

The Yoruba elders should give way for either of two things to take place:

1 for the likes of Fayose and Tinubu to take over
2. An invitation of the northern elders to teach them how not to fail the people (roflmao)

As for Bankole, it is not known what he has achieved either for his people or for the entire nation, since he became the speaker.

Eja · Sep 3, 2009 , 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by Dapxin

& that is coming from the one who solemnly pledged colonels and troops in the path of electoral freedom in Ekiti, mrs. Ayoka style, Iwu brand type 2 ehn ?

A solemn pledge that confirmed his pedigree as another one from that 'illustrious' lineage which started with Afonja.

busanga · Sep 3, 2009 , 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by FSU

The Yoruba elders should give way for either of two things to take place:

1 for the likes of Fayose and Tinubu to take over
2. An invitation of the northern elders to teach them how not to fail the people (roflmao)

As for Bankole, it is not known what he has achieved either for his people or for the entire nation, since he became the speaker.

And I will take Tinubu over Lam Adesina anyday