Attack On Senators Mark, Oduah And Bruce: Deji Adeyanju Got It Wrong

I read the press statement made by one Mr Deji Adeyanju, the so-called social media director of PDP. In the statement, he poured some venoms on party chieftains and senators Ben Murray Bruce, David Mark and Stella Oduah. Mr Deji was reported to have used some inappropriate words on the aforementioned personalities simply because they praised the proposed budget of President Muhammadu Buhari. His argument was that the said senators have "no right" to opinion simply because they were elected under the PDP platform. He further blasted the senators for holding contrary views to that of the party.



It is embarrassing that someone that occupies sensitive position such as social media director of the party will employ such undemocratic and uncivilised tactics to gag party members and chieftains of their fundamental right to opinion. Being a member or chieftain of a political party does not eradicate the right of the individual to his view as enshrined in our constitution. It is on record that David Mark and co will not be the first opposition members/legislators to support a policy/bill of a ruling government. Let us recall that in 2012 when the Goodluck Jonathan's administration removed the fuel subsidy, Adams Oshiomole(then of ACN) publicly defended the move even when his party was against the move. In October this year, USA Sen Kelly Ayotte, a republican openly supported Obama's EPA’s Clean Power Plan even when fellow republican congressmen vowed to block it. If Gov Oshiomole and Sen Ayotte weren't attacked by their respective party for airing dissenting view, why then should Senators Mark, Bruce and Oduah be subjected to attack? What justification was the attack on their persons?

While I believe in strong and viable opposition, it is inappropriate for any opposition to adopt the tactic of fighting against every action of the ruling party without putting sound argument to justify it. Opposition should be constructive and intellectually appealing. Anything short of that is no longer opposition but nuisance. If any party man or chieftain express a view according to his belief, such view should be respected whether or not they are in tandem with our individual or party bias. It is inappropriate be intolerant towards party members with dissenting opinion from official position.

Finally, I have to state that I'm no fan of any of the aforementioned senators, neither am I an apologist of the ruling APC and the government. But truth must be said, there is nothing wrong in praising the action of the government if one is so convinced that it is right thing to do. The interest of the country and ones constituency supersede that of any political party. The press statement by Mr Deji is simply uncalled for and inappropriate.



May God Bless Us All and Bless Nigeria.