by Damilola Jagun

While on his campaign train in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, January 12, President Goodluck Jonathan described as “hypocrites” some former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leaders in the South west.

Jonathan bemoaned the inability of the South west leaders to justify their leadership style and love for the people, adding that the region believes in social justice.

He said: “I did say that the South west reminds one of the days of the National Democratic Coalition. But I am convinced that some of the NADECO actors are hypocrites, because they cannot justify what they are doing today. The South west believes in human rights and social justice. No south-westerner will pray that someone who does not go through proper trial will be jailed for 300 years and above. If they are not hypocrites, they couldn’t be doing what they are doing today, but I don’t want to go into that now. If they are not hypocrites, they will not be talking about not empowering women.”

“Without education, you cannot change people. If I did not go to school, I will not be where I am today. Every Nigerian child must have the Goodluck opportunity; that is why we are building out-of-school children secondary schools and Almajiris schools in some parts of Nigeria. I will not build prison for you but I will build schools for you.”

While in Ibadan, the President paid homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, alongside the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Adamu Mu’azu, members of the National Working Committee of the party, the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, Mrs. Jumoke Akinjide and other National Assembly members.

Also present were the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metu; the Director General of the National Campaign Organisation, Dr. Ahmadu Alli; the Director, Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode; the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin and other party faithfuls.

Kolapo Olapoju