From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has revealed why he is being persecuted in the party.
Oyegun said he is being persecuted because of his loyalty to the present administration led by Muhammadu Buhari.
He disclosed this in Benin City, yesterday, at an event organised by the Benin National Congress, ( BNC), to honour his selfless and leadership style over the years.
“I grew up in an environment where bringing disgrace to the family is the worst thing you can possibly do; even the family will be the first to disown you.
“So, in all my life, this is the circumstance that has conditioned me. I do not do things that will not make me sleep soundly at night. I do nothing that will appear as headline in any of the national dailies.
“Yes, I have been through several trials, but, I have overcome them all.
“Why have I done so? Because, at the end of the day, whether detailed or forensic examination, you will not find that your own Oyegun has done something dishonorable. And so, with all the hue and cry, at the end of the whole thing, when we sit down, and ask, ‘tell us what he has done?’ Behold, the whole situation fizzled out.
“The only thing you can punish him for is loyalty. Edo people are loyal. We look at something, we make sacrifices to ensure that those hands are upheld and neat.”
Oyegun, however, called on Nigerians to be patient with the present administration in delivering the right and purposeful leadership for the country and noted that change takes time, in consistence of applications and that Nigerians cannot afford to go back to the old days.
In his welcome address, BNC President, Mr. Aiyemenkhue Edokpolo, said when the country was facing series of frightening existential challenges by ethnic groups, when President Muhammadu Buhari was away on medical trip, Chief Oyegun took epistemic steps to preserve the sanctity of the Presidency; protected the interest of Nigeria as one and indivisible country; and defended the founding values of his party- the APC.
Edokpolo said as a distinguished Bini man and humble son of Edo State, who has made landmarks in civil service and party politics, Oyegun deserves the honour, hence, the acceptance by the Binis to honour him as a role model.