“We
have not gotten the best that democracy had promised
and that is why the people are anxious to ensure that
this time around, they vote strictly on the basis of
trust. If you then now ask why should they trust me,
fine. It is a very legitimate question. I have also
told people that anyone who comes to them and promise
that he is going to put Air conditioners on their highways,
he is going to convert the state to a corner of heaven
and things like that. Just ask them why should you trust
them. Let them tell the story. But whatever they tell
you, you should find time to find out who they
were
not who they are in terms of where they were born or
their religion, but who they are in terms of what they
have done before. What are their records in public service?
Have they ever worried about the welfare of society?
Have they ever been concerned about the pains of the
people? Have they ever spared a thought about those
people who have no food to eat? Have they ever been
engaged in policy contestations with regards to options
of development? So, if they have not, why should you
believe them? In my own case, I will simply ask them
to look at my pedigree. All I have done for a living
is working for the people. So, nobody is going to lecture
me that the people matter because I know it. I have
fought on their side, we have defended them and we have
argued their cases. We have risked our lives so that
Nigeria may be free, we have fought against poverty
and we have argued that it is not an act of God"....Adams
Oshiomhole
