Be reserved on early politicking so as not to heat up the state, Ex- Nigerian High Commissioner implores Ogun politicians

 

 

The former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Sarafa Tunji Ishola, has called for reservation on the part of politicians in relations to politicking and the discussion of the 2027 governorship race.

Speaking at the projects commissioning and one year in office of the executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Council, Tunji Ishola warned that such conversations only serve to heat up tensions in the state.

The former Envoy implored  those with ambitions for the next elections year to be  patience, “as it is ultimately up to God to determine who will still be here in 2027”.

He, therefore, harped on the need for a focus on addressing the challenges of hostility, political division, and the overall progress of Ogun state.

He said “If I start politicking and start talking about 2027 governorship, I’m not helping the state. That will just increase the temperature of the state.

“Whoever has ambition for 2023 should wait. After all it’s God that determines who lives till 2027. We are in 2023 and everybody is talking about 2027. Let us concentrate on the issues of hostile succession , political division and progress of our state for now.

Delving on his attainments during tenure  in the UK, the former High Commission disclosed that there was enough harmony  amongst the Nigerians in the United Kingdom. 

 Tunji Ishola also stressed that he was able to to unite the divided Nigerians who were either clamoring for Oodua Nation and Biafra upon his assumption of office.

He said “When I got to the UK, Nigerians were not united. The people of southeast origin were doing Biafra, the people of southwest were doing Oodua nation and some of them were not even happy with the service being provided, the love of the country was not there, and their sense of patriotism was very low.

“When I assumed office, there used to be a minimum of three protests in a year but as of today, there’s no protest in the Nigeria High Commission. I have been able to bring them together and let them know that the country matters and that the division cannot help us. Nigerians in the UK are now more united.

Tunji Ishola also explained that the Japa syndrome reduced under his watch as the number reduced from about 18,000 to 10,000. 

He stated "Japa experienced became pronounced when I was in office because the enrollment of Nigerian students coming for Post graduate studies had gone down. It used to be from 18, 000 to 15, 000 now it was 10,00. I benefitted from  British education so I understand that it was good that opportunity to be created." He added.