Nigerian Newsday

By Tukura Matthew

Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, the strong man of Ibadan politics, said he was convinced that Governor Abdullahi Adamu’s desire to contest Nigeria’s presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was informed by his burning desire to take the country to greater heights.

Alhaji Adedibu said the bridges of unity and cordial relationships built across the different geo-political zones by Governor Adamu over the years would now serve as the political ladder to use to get him to the number seat in the country.

Adedibu stated this when Governor Adamu paid him a courtesy call at his Ibadan residence, last week.

Chief Adedibu, who described Governor Adamu as the "faithful apostle" of President Obasanjo said the governor has endeared himself to the hearts of the admirers of the present administration. He stressed that Governor Adamu possessed the zeal and the wherewithal to move Nigeria forward on the path of progress as envisioned by president Obasanjo.

Said Adedibu: "May Allah in His infinite mercy place you in the rank of those who He would entrust the destiny of this nation in their hands in 2007. That is our prayers for you. On our part, we are prepared to contribute our quota to your success at the polls".

Also speaking in Ibadan on the candidature of Governor Adamu, former old Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloye, said, "Governor Adamu is a quality presidential candidate who I have known for the past 30 years. He is an experienced and seasoned politician fit to occupy the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria".

Dr. Olunloye said he would canvass for Governor Adamu’s support in the western region by projecting his laudable achievements as a governor in the past seven years.

At the Ooni of Ife Palace, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, who spoke through his Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Olorunshola, said Governor Adamu was a person that could be relied upon at any time, adding, he has no doubt that if given the chance, governor Adamu will move this country forward.

The Ooni said as a titleholder of Aare Obateru of the Source, "Governor Adamu is a son of Ife people and part owner of the royal palace".

Responding, Governor Adamu who was in Ife to attend the Ife Day Cultural Festival said the Ooni of Ife has always given him advices which has helped him to be on the right track.

The governor said apart from attending the Ife Day, he was in the ancient town to formally intimate His Imperial Majesty of his presidential ambition and to receive his royal prayers and blessings.

Answering questions from newsmen in Ibadan, Governor Adamu stressed that democracy was about the freedom of people to freely express their views, saying that as a democrat he was at liberty to exercise his opinion on all issues of national interest. "That is why I supported the rejected constitutional amendment", he stated.

Governor Adamu said based on the principle of collective responsibility, he identified himself with both the success and the shortcomings of the Obasanjo.