Obasanjo remains best Nigeria’s democratically elected President, says Alani Bankole
A Nigerian political juggernaut, Chief Alani Bankole, and chieftain of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) has affirmed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo remains the best civilian president in the country under the democratic rule till date.
Penpushing reports that, Bankole popularly called ‘Caterpillar’ made this known on Thursday during media parley at his Iyana Oloke residence in Onikolobo axis of Abeokuta,Ogun State Capital in preparatory for his 80th birthday ceremony.
The father of former Speaker House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole expressed satisfaction that, with the old age of Obasanjo when he took over civilian rule, he perfumed creditably well compared with other Civilian Presidents who had ruled and the incumbent
“Yes, because I was very close to the former president Olusegun Obasanjo. He became president at the age of 60 and I know that in those days, he doesn’t stop working until 2:00 a.m. and by 7:00 a.m., he will be up again in his pajamas, and until now he is the best president during this their new dispensation and that has to do largely with age.”
“Intelligence and ability have nothing to do with age. Having said so, I do not think anyone who is above the age of 60 has any business in politics at the presidential, governorship, or local government level’, he added
Penpushing further reports that, Bankole who will clock 80 on Friday, September 17, 2021, said he had no regret losing bid to become Ogun State Governor in 1982 under the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN)
The known fearless politician disclosed that, he lost the attempt for being blunt during the race, but expressed satisfaction that his loss was a blessing in disguise, adding he is far better than those who worked against his ambition
‘I lost the bid because I was been blunt telling party leaders that I was not going to appoint those who were older than me. This infuriated them and this led to many legal battles that left the party in disarray’, he recalled
Penpushing also reports that Bankole while speaking on the present administration which is full of faults, said Nigerians got what they wanted, pointing out that nobody can plant maize and expect to harvest coconut
‘It’s what we planted that we are reaping, the most unfortunately things that most people especially politicians take wrong advantage of this thing and blame for other people for it. For instance I just laugh when people try to blame President Buhari for herdsmen and farmers clash’ ‘You voted somebody of 79 years to be your president to operate from Abuja and you want him to come and solve your security problem in Odeda or your security problem in Calabar or in Maidiguri it is not possible’, Bankole emphaised.
Penpushing reports that, on the clamour for youths to take over governance in the country, Bankole said he has no issues with that, but pointed out that the Nigerian youths are lazy towards that challenge, and charged them to rise up, stressing that power is not given but one needs to work hard to acquire power
‘We don’t give power to people you acquire power, youth of today’s are too lazy they don’t want to fight for power. You want someone to come to call you in your house and tell you to come and be the governor ,it is not possible’, he pointed out.
‘I was very young, I told you I was 41,I want to become the Governor but,I didn’t become the Governor but I became a political leader in this country recognise all over the country. So nobody gives power, and power you work for it so if the youth are serious ,because they must go and work so that they will get political power’, he emphaised
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