A Voice Silenced: The Political Persecution of Asaolu Gaffar

By Korede Oladepo

In the heart of Ogun State, a tale of ambition, determination, and political strife unfolds, centering on a young man whose dreams have been overshadowed by the heavy hand of political persecution. Asaolu Gaffar, a promising graduate from Babcock University and University of Bradford UK, stands at the crossroads of his future, trapped in a situation fueled by political animosity and the machinations of power.

Asaolu’s journey began like many others, filled with aspirations and the desire to effect change. With a degree in hand, he emerged as a beacon of hope for the youth of Ogun State, advocating for progress, transparency, and the empowerment of his generation. His passion for social justice and community development quickly caught the attention of his peers and local political figures alike. However, his rising profile soon became a double-edged sword.

Reports indicate that Asaolu has faced relentless persecution under the governance of Prince Dapo Abiodun, the current Governor of Ogun State. Friends and supporters allege that the governor’s administration has targeted Asaolu due to his outspoken nature and affiliation with opposition parties. This political vendetta has resulted in a series of legal troubles that many believe are baseless and motivated by a desire to silence dissent.

In a recent statement, Asaolu’s family expressed their fears for his safety and well-being. “He is a young man with so much potential, yet he finds himself in a situation that threatens to derail his future. We fear for his life and his freedom,” they lamented. The family has called on influential figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene in what they describe as a clear case of political oppression.

Asaolu’s plight reflects a broader issue in Nigeria, where political persecution often stifles the voices of young leaders advocating for change. The pattern of targeting opposition figures has raised alarms among human rights organizations and activists, who argue that the silencing of dissent is detrimental to the democratic process.

Observers note that the persecution of promising youths like Asaolu not only affects individuals but also resonates throughout society, stifling innovation and discouraging political engagement among the younger generation. The ramifications of such actions can lead to a disillusioned youth, perpetuating a cycle of apathy and disengagement from the political process.

As the nation watches, the call for justice grows louder. Supporters of Asaolu have organized protests and social media campaigns, urging the governor to reconsider his stance and for President Tinubu to step in to ensure that political persecution does not claim an innocent life. “We cannot stand by and watch as our future leaders are crushed under the weight of political power struggles,” said a close friend of Asaolu during a recent rally.

The story of Asaolu Gaffar is not just about one young man’s fight against political persecution; it embodies the struggles faced by many in a democracy still grappling with the shadows of autocracy. As the situation unfolds, the hope remains that justice will prevail, and that the dreams of promising youths will not be extinguished by the flames of political hatred.

In the end, the question remains: Will the voices of the youth be heard, or will they continue to be silenced by the very systems meant to empower them? The answer lies in the hands of those in power and the collective will of a nation yearning for change.

Party Kicks Against Endorsement Of Seyi Tinubu As Next Governor Of Lagos State

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has declared that citizens would resist any attempts to impose Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as the next governor of the state.

This statement follows recent endorsements of Seyi as a potential successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027 by some groups.

One of such groups, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, issued an endorsement on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, suggesting that Seyi would be welcomed to run for governor in Osun or Imo states, where his family is reportedly from.

Similarly, a socio-political group, Friends of Seyi Tinubu, also endorsed him, describing the president’s son as a visionary leader with a rare combination of intellect, empathy, and strategic acumen.

However, their endorsements have drawn criticism from various stakeholders.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the Lagos PDP spokesperson, Hakeem Amode, rejected the idea, saying, “Lagos will not serve him.”

He questioned whether governorship should become an inheritance, suggesting that it was inappropriate for a son to inherit such a role from his father.

“Governorship is not a gift,” he stated, stressing that if the Tinubu camp were to resort to tactics similar to those used in Ondo and Edo states in the past, it would be met with resistance.

He further reminded that many Lagosians did not vote for Tinubu in the last presidential election which was an indication that they would not support his son for governor.

Earlier, the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths also condemned the idea of a Tinubu family member taking over the governorship, insisting that non-indigenes should not be allowed to govern Lagos State.

But the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, dismissed the conversation about the 2027 elections as premature.

“It is too early to be discussing the 2027 elections,” he said, urging people to focus on supporting current government.

He said, “We should rally behind the governor and the president now to advance development.”

Earlier, a prominent APC chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, also weighed in on the issue, on his Facebook page

“Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor? This is a needless distraction. The real target is to bring down President Bola Tinubu. Ruling Lagos is not a job for amateurs,” he wrote.

INVESTMENT IN LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT TO TRANSFORM TRAGEDY INTO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU

President Bola Tinubu has stated that his administration’s renewed focus in driving international and local investments into livestock sector of the agricultural value-chain will end the crisis of farmer-herder clashes, eradicate hunger and poverty in Nigeria as well as promote economic prosperity.

President Tinubu said this Thursday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Nigerian Government and the JBS S.A, one of the top three largest meat processing companies globally.

“What we are doing right now is that we are solving a problem that afflicted humanity in that part of Africa, clashes between farmers and migrating cows that have caused some life and bloodshed when there is a modern, civilized way to solve those problems and even bring a successful economy out of it.

“We are trying to turn a situation of tragedy, hopelessness into economic opportunity, see through problems and see the opportunity that is involved in it.”

The Nigerian leader called on the company to see the considerable potentials in what he called the $2.5billion livestock investment opportunities in Nigeria, especially with its huge population and tap into it, given JBS S.A’s globally recognized expertise in the area of guaranteeing food security.

“We’ve heard so much about you in terms of the reputation, and we believe in the partnership we are forging today.

“Food security is extremely important. As we talk right now, there is hunger. However, there is huge hope. And you are one of those hopes that we are looking at.”

President Tinubu told the JBS top executives that Nigeria is ready to do business with them, assuring them of a good return on their investment.

Prior to his visit to Brazil, President had commissioned a team of Nigerian officials and private sector players to take the advantage of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio to conduct a study tour of Sao Paulo, Brazil and explore the opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, seed development and multiplication for key grains.

In his remarks, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, who led the delegation, reported to the President that the team embarked on guided, extended and intensive tours of companies on the scale of their global reach, the integrated nature of their operations as well as the deployment of advanced technology. He added that from their interactions with various companies, JBS S.A. was chosen being the second largest meat processing company in the world with the capacity to process 33,000 cattle daily and over eight million birds daily, using advanced zero-waste practices. The company employs over 200,000 people across its subsidiaries in more than 50 countries in the world including United States, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia among others.

Wesley Batista, founder and President of the JBS group, said the company is the largest employer of labour in Brazil with over $79 billion dollars revenue already in year 2024.

“We are glad to work with Nigeria to work together to develop the livestock industry there. We think it’s a good opportunity for our business in Nigeria and Africa as we believe Nigeria can be the center of supply of protein to many countries in Africa. We look forward to working with you. We are almost in December and this year is almost gone. We hope to be in Nigeria as soon as possible,” the founder and Chief Executive said.

Other members of the delegation included Minister of State Agriculture and Food Security Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Co-chairman Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, the Secretary of the Committee, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahya, and the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Aisha Rimi.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

November 22, 2024