From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Chieftain of New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi has dismissed the insinuation that his consistent criticism of the federal government is because of his hatred for President Bola Tinubu.
Ajadi, while fielding questions from journalists yesterday on his criticism of the present administration despite the fact that President Tinubu is a Yoruba man, maintained that what he has been doing is constructive criticism to help him succeed in office, as whatever he does in office will either bring glory or shame to his geopolitical zone.
Ajadi, who was the NNPP governorship candidate in Ogun State in the 2023 general election, said he cannot hate a Yoruba leader, as it is a taboo.
He, however, said those thinking along the line that he hates President Tinubu do not understand the Yoruba culture of ‘Omoluabi’.
He stressed that those surrounding President Tinubu may not tell him the true feelings of the masses because of the fear of losing their positions.
According to him, “I cannot hate my leader. Politics and political parties aside, President Tinubu is one of our leaders in Yoruba land and his success in office is our success.
“My own way of contributing to his success is to consistently tell him the truth that he needs to know. Many people around him because of their sycophancy will not tell him such truth.
“Our way of life in Yoruba land is to tell the truth and that has been the reason our region is acknowledged for its role in promoting development in the country since independence.
“President Tinubu demonstrated this Yoruba virtue of saying the truth during the military rule in Nigeria. We cannot dismiss his role in bringing the democracy we are all enjoying through his activities in NADECO.
“I cannot keep my mouth shut, I will keep telling him what Nigerians are looking for and are expecting from him, in case he is distracted by people who currently surround him.
“I don’t have hatred for our president. In fact I have love for him as a person and as president. I am concerned about him leaving a good legacy whenever he leaves office.
“Even in death people are still talking good about Obafemi Awolowo, Bola Ige, Adekunle Ajasin, Bisi Onabanjo, Lateef Jakande, Chief MKO Abiola and other Yoruba leaders, I want President Tinubu’s name also to be written in goldv after leaving office”.
