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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has insisted that Nigeria will never become a one-party state, despite what he described as desperate efforts by some actors to push the country in that direction.
Speaking in Yola on Saturday during a civic reception in honour of Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Makinde said Nigeria’s diversity makes the idea of a single political structure impossible.
Makinde noted that the country’s multi-ethnic composition is its strongest defence against political homogenisation.
“In the history that was read, you can see that Nigeria is made up of several nations. As for those who are trying to push us into a one-party state, this is why it will not happen,” he said.
The governor also commended Governor Fintiri, whose political journey, he said, shows depth, resilience and readiness for greater responsibilities. He recalled Fintiri’s rise from Minority Leader in the Adamawa State House of Assembly to Majority Leader, Deputy Speaker, Speaker, Acting Governor and eventually elected Governor.
“I was reading through his trajectory in the programme booklet and I saw that he got elected into the House of Assembly and was made the Minority Leader. He later became the Majority Leader.
“Later, he became the Deputy Speaker and then Speaker. And from there, he became Acting Governor and was later elected as Governor. It means if he is given a chance, he will go far,” Makinde said.
He praised the Margi ethnic group for honouring one of their own, describing the event as a rare show of unity and recognition. “People always think it is very easy to give honour to one of your own. But, in reality, prophets are not always recognised in their own homes. So, this is a unique event today.”
Also present at the ceremony was Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, who announced that he and Governor Makinde would make donations in support of the newly unveiled Margi National Attire initiative.
