The First Executive Governor of Edo State and former National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun today joins the ADC in Benin City, Edo State. The slim octogenarian, with a springing gait of an athlete, touched down at the Benin City airport around 11+am, dressed in stripped dark local fabric. He was received in courtesy by the leadership of the ADC, before heading straight for the Party’s temporary Secretariat at MM Way, by Ekiosa market, in a motorcade of supporters, friends and well wishers.
The reception at the Secretariat was thunderous, even though the National Leader had earlier warned the State Chairman to keep things in very low key: because of the passing on of his friend and former boss, President Muhammadu Buhari.
Chief John Oyegun was obviously between feelings as he addressed the teeming members of ADC, who were
obviously agog with excitement at his joining the Party.
The journey to this near political Eldorado had existed as an abstraction in the minds of some in the Party until now: said Hon Kennedy Odion, the State Party Chairman. The reality therefore, is as unbelievable as it is awesome! He was full of credit for the National leader, who he said was one of those who insisted the Coalition chose the ADC platform!
He pointed out that
H.E. John Odigie Oyegun, has fortuitously found himself the Father of positive Coalitions in Nigeria; noting that the first Coalition he sat at its helm succeeded impressively !
Speaking at the occasion, the National Leader regretted the passing on of his late friend, former President Muhammadu
Buhari; recalling that they had worked seamlessly together in the past. He insisted on a low key event and promised that there would be more time to talk and celebrate the Party at a later date. He eulogized and thanked the national leadership of ADC and the entire Party for their political maturity and understanding of the sense of purpose for ‘Hour Nigeria’ and consequently provided the platform for all stakeholders to key into. He reminded all present that to save Nigerians from starvation was no longer a choice, but a duty; concluding that we must all come together for that obligatory purpose!
Finally, an elated State Chairman handed the ADC Party’s membership card to Chief John Odigie Oyegun with great effusion! The packed full hall then went ecstatic with joy!
Chris Ojeikere
