_Being the excerpt of a press statement by the Lagos East Network (LEN)
on the race for the Lagos East Senatorial seat
Gentlemen of the Press,
The death of Senator Bayo Osinowo is still having ripple effects within and outside the Lagos political circles, especially in Lagos East Senatorial district. While many, like us, are still mourning the unexpected exit of that legislative and political giant, the race to fill the vacancy his death created is equally now on in earnest. Humans are political animals, thus, even in our soberness, we are not unaware of the gradual momentum the contest is gathering.
Already, prominent chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the five council areas making up the district have come forward to present themselves as the possible APC candidate for the slot.
From Epe, Rt. Hon. Ikuforiji, former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly; Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, immediate past Governor of the state; Chief Lanre Rasaq, and many more, are boldly bidding for the senatorial seat.
Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, Dr. Tola Kasali and others are vying from Ibeju Lekki. Names of Honourables Kunle Soname and Dayo Bush are being heard in Kosofe while Somolu may be parading Ademorin Kuye and Wole Diya in the race.
Ikorodu is equally making a strong case for the seat and is not lacking in men willing to slug it out for the APC ticket. Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, former Commissioner and current Vice chairman of the party in the state is one of such eminently qualified materials Ikorodu has in the race. Others are Hon. Sunmi Odesanya, former House of Assembly member, Otunba Ganiu Abiru, former Clerk of the state Assembly among others.
Not a few persons have been analysing the aspirants. In doing that, we have concerned ourselves with the wider perspectives of acceptability within the party and outside the candidate’s political base, as well as the cognate political and administrative experience needed to represent our district at the senate, among other factors.
Now, talking about the aspiration of Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, who no doubt, all sentiments apart, has very bright chances of rallying the party, chieftains and members across the district as a candidate, and going ahead to win the general election for our great party, we believe very strongly that he possesses all what it takes to take up the mantle where Senator Osinowo stopped.
It is therefore our appeal that as loyal party stakeholders, it is important we take the right perspective if we are not about to throw away another prospect politically. Just like one analyst posited recently, “irrespective of how we feel about the individual aspirants, as well as our other biases, we need to go into the race with a man with the right pedigree and track record. We just must put our best foot forward’’.
Kaoli, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State and founder, Kith and Kin Educational College, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, is currently the Vice Chairman of the ruling APC in Lagos state. A reputable educationist and respected politician, he served as commissioner for eight years in the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu between 1999 and 2007. He remains one of the best Agriculture commissioners in the history of the state.
Kaoli aspired for the governorship of Lagos state in 2007. He toured the length and breadth of the state and was well received. But as a loyal party man, when prevailed upon, he stepped down for the eventual winner.
Within and outside Ikorodu, his Kith and Kin Foundation is reputed for offering helping hands to the indigent, especially orphans, widows and other vulnerable people. Asipa Kaoli is one man with a wide spread political network across the senatorial district and as such, it will not be difficult for him to get the required widespread support for his Senatorial aspiration.
He is a renowned Honourary Chief of Ikorodu with good standing as the Asipa of Ikorodu Kingdom. A trusted lieutenant of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of our great party.
As the Vice chairman of the party in the district, he discharged his duties with fairness and firmness. And for this, he is well loved. Little wonder that majority of party and public office holders are now solidly behind his aspiration. ASIPA is not a laid back politician, he knows the entire district like the back of his hand and party leaders and members in Lagos East know him well too. So, we strongly believe Asipa Kaoli is a brand we can be sure of being well patronised if we all rally round him.
It is for these reasons and more that are we are urging , clearly and without any reservation whatsoever, that Asipa Kaoli Olusanya should be supported by all and sundry to fly the banner of our great party, the APC as candidate in the forthcoming Senatorial bye-election.
Thank you all.
Signed:
A O Saliu
Tel: 0802 320 5302
P O Bamisaye
Tel: 0704 141 4593