MEET FRANK OSHANUGOR
By Frank Oshanugor
The public presentation of a book ” The Challenges of good governance and leadership in Nigeria: The Peter Obi Factor” was almost marred on Thursday in Lagos by Labour Party supporters who are opposed to Mr. Kayode Salako, Chairman of the party in Lagos.
The book presentation which had successfully progressed with good will messages by the likes of the Afenifere leader; Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Lagos State Labour Party Governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and others towards the end was abruptly interrupted by placard carrying members of the party from different local government areas in Lagos.
The protesters numbering over fifty had suddenly ended the book launching by shouting and demanding that the national Leadership of the Labour Party and Mr. Peter Obi should relieve Salako of his position as he was nothing but “a mole” for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the protesters who did not identify any one as their leader or spokesman, Mr. Salako who has been sitting as the Labour Party Chairman was out to do a hatchet man’s job for Tinubu whom they alleged “is eager to clinch the presidential position at all cost.”
Though, Salako who emerged Chairman of the party about three months ago was not physically present at the event, yet *AtlanticNewsonline gathered that members of the party in the various local government areas in Lagos have chosen to use the platform of the public presentation of the book written in Peter Obi’s honour to draw attention of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate who probably was not aware of the disgruntledness of members against Salako whose wife Foluke Daramola-Salako is a member of Tinubu’s campaign council.
Even though, no one could readily provide any tangible evidence against Salako to prove his alleged treachery against Labour Party and Peter Obi, there seemed to be a consensus among the protesters that Salako could not be trusted and stands to destroy Obi’s chances of winning the election in Lagos.
Effort to calm frayed nerves of the protesters by organisers of the book presentation yielded some fruitful result but regrettably, launching of the book was abruptly halted thereby making the event organisers lose some money.
Earlier at the book presentation which took place at the high brow Welcome Center Hotel event hall located along International Airport Road, Lagos, Afenifere leader: Pa Ayo Adebanjo had advised Nigerian youths to become more active and involved in ensuring that Peter Obi is voted as Nigeria’s next president since he is the most credible candidate among the presidential top contenders.
The 94-year-old pan-Nigerian leader told the youths that “your vote for Peter Obi is vote for your better future. Do not vote for those who believe in changing from one corrupt leadership to another corrupt leadership. This is the time to change the old system to a fresh and credible system.”
He added that “we are fighting a battle with our oppressors and we must not give up but support Peter Obi who has what it takes to change the system for good.”
The one-day event which was chaired by a Labour Party Chieftain in Lagos; Dr. Oluwadurotimi Olulana had attracted many dignitaries including Labour Party Governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and his deputy Mrs. Oyefusi. Mr. Peter Obi was unavoidably absent but was ably represented by a lady who introduced herself as an architect.
The book presentation was put together by Alaigbo Development Foundation ably led by Prof. Uzodimma Nwala.