A political group in Oyo State, Central Alliance of Oyo State Progressives (CAOYP), has lauded the gubernatorial debate organised by the WestMidlands Communications Limited owners of Splash FM and Lagelu FM, held on Wednesday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
This is just as it commended the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state, Barrister Michael Folorunso Lana, for distinguishing himself during the debate, describing him as a Man of Excellence.
The group in a statement on Friday by its Coordinator, Bola Popoola, said WestMidlands under its leadership, High Chief Adebayo Akande, the panelists that include Prof. Duro Adeleke; Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun; Ajibola Akinyefa; Seun Akinola; Edmund Obilo; Tayo Oyeladun and other stakeholders must be commended for putting together such a vibrant platform to engage candidates of various parties on fundamental areas of concern to the development of the state.
Popoola maintained that the debate was a worthy notable patriotic corporate social responsibility by the company, stating that the group followed the debate with rapt attention with feedback showing that people now realise more than before the difference between opportunist and the visionary, between deceitful propaganda and research informed well thought out genuine ideas.
He added that the SDP gubernatorial candidate, Lana, during the debate distinguished himself as the most worthy candidate in terms of experience, character, courage, competence, capacity and most importantly fear of God as well as respect for the good people of the pace setter state.
He noted that Lana and his peaceful supporters were not involved in any rancour exhibited by some of the political parties which almost truncated successful completion of the public debate.
He then called on the good people of the state to come out enmasse to exercise their franchise by voting the candidates of what he described as the truly progressive party, SDP during the elections.
According to him, “We are certain that together we can change the narrative of misplaced priorities, maladministration, lack of transparency and hooliganism in Oyo State, we are hopeful that after this election, entrenchment of social justice and good governance by SDP shall usher in progress, growth and development for Oyo State in all facets.”