For more than 12 months, I and several others have been waiting patiently for this day to come to pass. Shortly after the results of the 2007 flawed elections became known in Ondo state – where the incumbent, Dr Agagu won the election ‘miraculously’ – I have waited for justice to prevail.
Today, justice come around 4:00AM (10:00AM GMT) when I heard the Agagu miracle has been nullified, and the rightful winner of that election, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has been awarded his mandate. The incumbent, Dr Agagu has become – and rightfully so too – the 11th sacked governor in Nigeria. Thanks to the state election tribunal.
Those who have been following the more-than-a-year-old legal battle would appreciate the extent of planning and preparation that went into the process.
The Mimiko team raised the standard of post-election litigation in Nigeria by using forensic technology and bringing in handwriting and fingerprint experts to buttress its case. The litigation was painstaking to the extent of being overwhelming. Today, those strategies paid off.
Besides the legal duel, there were several remarkable moments associated with the Mimiko-Agagu tussle, even before that flawed voting began.
Mimiko – once the Housing Minister during the past administration, and former Secretary to State Government under Agagu – is perhaps the only Nigerian politician I know that would rather abandon a well-established ruling party (PDP) for a new, unknown party with uncertain future.
Labour Party – Mimiko’s party – came to being in Ondo State less than six months before the elections. With limited resources but massive grassroots connection, the Labour Party defeated the deep-pocketed PDP, and an incumbent governor, who happens to be a very close associate of the former president Obasanjo.
As the state election tribunal closed its last case today, a total of 15 PDP candidates have had their elections annulled in Ondo state; the highest in Nigeria history to date!
Some would remember the media explosion that followed Obasanjo’s wrongfully accusation of Mimiko during the campaign. In Akure, Obasanjo publicly stated during a campaign rally that he begged Mimiko to not run against Agagu, but he refused. ‘Mimiko is a thief’, the president continued, saying ‘Mimiko soiled his hand’ as the Housing Minister, and will soon be arrested by the EFCC. This was the former president playing dirty and hardball politics on behalf of his boy – Agagu.
Of course, the move backfired. EFCC issued a statement clearing Mimiko of any fraud. The Media and several political pundits and commentators jumped in and tongue-lashed the president for stooping so low. This is the beginning of Mimiko ascent, and I strongly believe, that day marked the onset of Agagu’s political demise as well.
For Mimiko to have done what appeared impossible – and even foolish to most people – is nothing more than a confirmation of the power of grassroots politics. It also affirms that Mimiko – though driven by personal ambition – is a resourceful politician whose goals are guided by an uncommon passion to serve the people.
Mimiko is a man of uncommon traits. As I wrote in February 2007, (see: The Mimiko-Phenomenon: The Power of Grassroots Politics, this trait shows clearly in his persona:
His open-door policy endears him so much to the people who have come to see his as an acquaintance, friend, leader, mentor, and messiah; his reach extends far and near; he’s charismatic and modest; and above all, a gentleman and full-blooded social activist…
These traits are uncommon in the Nigerian political scene. This, coupled with his extensive wealth of public service experience (two-time state Health Commissioner, Secretary to State government (SSG), and federal Minister), makes Mimiko a prime candidate and someone who has the clout to orchestrate the unexpected.
And he has done just that!
Dr Olusegun Mimiko now belongs to that rarefied class of individuals one can say are true politicians with genuinely strong grassroots connection. And there are just a handful of them in Nigeria.
Iroko is a majestic African tree. Its wood is tough, dense, and very durable.
This is a major victory against PDP nationwide! I rejoice with the people of Ondo state! Agagu should accept the verdict and quit. The people are fed up and this is clearer now than ever before. There is no need prolonging the agony of the people, he should leave!
July 26, 2008 at 12:06 am
It is strange that propaganda machinery of Agagu is quiet now. May it remain so forever. I have watched with sadness and a deep sense of embarrassment how he and his goons went about dishing out lies against Mimiko. If indeed Agagu won, the elections in his constituency ought to have stood the test of time at the tribunal. Agaggu is a fraud!
July 26, 2008 at 12:10 am
Even MEND is happy with verdict:
The Ondo State Council of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has described the judgment of the tribunal as a victory for the masses, democracy and justice.
The pressure group noted that what the tribunal decided was a clear manifestation of MEND’s earlier declaration that the election was rigged for Agagu.
The group also accused a top government official in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of terrorizing the people of Arogbo Town as he has allegedly deployed some thugs who were armed to the teeth.
“We had said it earlier that Agagu and indeed PDP rigged the elections in the state. Under normal circumstances, PDP could not have won any position in the state. But the employed massive rigging, thuggery, arson and even intimidation to a point of murder to make sure Agagu and other political robbers in the state on the platform of PDP won. We are grateful that the tribunal has righted the wrongs of the PDP in Ondo”, MEND said.
July 26, 2008 at 12:19 am
DO NOT BLAME AGAGU.HIS DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATON IS SUPERB.HIS HEADACHE IS THE STATE PDP.THEY OVERDID IT ;NOT CARING FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF DECENT RULES IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESSES.AGAGU COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THEM AS HE IS NOT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARTY .HE IS A GENTLEMAN TO THE CORE.I KNOW SEGUN VERY WELL.MIMIKO MUST BUILD HIS PLANS ON AGAGU’S DEVELOPMENTAL PHILOSOPHY OR ELSE HE WILL FAIL.IT IS A GREAT PITY.SEGUN,YOU HAVE TRIED.
July 26, 2008 at 1:01 am
To Dr Talabi:
Thanks for visiting.
Don’t you think Agagu is to blame if he can’t control his party?
The Ondo PDP is Agagu’s. After all, he single-handedly started it and bankrolled it. Agagu is the “alpha and omega” of the PDP in Ondo, the buck stops on his desk!
You mentioned Agagu’s developmental philosophy…is there one? Aside from the what we hear on the media, is there any tangible project in the state?
July 26, 2008 at 7:01 am
I do worry when the word “messiah” is used to describe any politician, especially a Nigerian politician.
July 26, 2008 at 9:01 am
Dr agagu is an epitome of progress and development,he has adopted his vast knowledge to the development of ondo state.it is a such a pity
July 26, 2008 at 10:03 am
Ijebuman: I understand your concern about the use of the word “messiah”, but you must understand it is a relative and subjective term. If someone helps you in ways and manners you had not only considered impossible, but exceeded your wildest imagination, and at no price, that person may be considered as a “messiah”, descriptively. This is how some have come to see Mimiko.
Tope Talabi: If it is the same Dr Agagu you have described in such manner…”an epitome of progress and development”.
Why then did you failed to command the such of support and vote during the elections?
Isn’t Agagu the same person that awarded multi-million dollar contracts to 36 ghost companies as a Minister of Power? Remember the House of Representatives probe? And I hope you also remember Agagu responses and attitude during the probe.
July 26, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Dear Ijebu man, people see Mimiko as a messiah for their hopes are pinned on deliverance from the heave yoke of the oppressor. If we are to be honest, the PDP / Agagu team did not demonstrate real love of the common people in their enriching their circle strategy and puttin up shambolic projects that when visited are either not working or non existence (except when he Agagu wants to cry to the gallery). Dr Talabi, you may not agree but this is true. Mimiko is not seen as The Messiah, for this would mean something different and even he Mimiko will be quick to say no to such a tag for no one contends with God.
Dr Talabi, no one can really know the mind of a brother talk less of family. Only God knows. Even if Agagu were to be a fine gentleman of good breed and has developmental orientations, he WOEFULLY FAILED to demonstrate this. He was the governor and had the choice of putting his party in order or playing to the gallery. He chose the latter. Now he gets his just desserts. For this AGAGU HAS THE BLAME.
Please as you know him so well, are you able to advise him not to appeal so as to save face for if he does he will keep on failing and falling in ignominy.
Dr Olusegun Mimiko is a fine peace and people loving man who has a sound mind, who is foccussed and who already has his strategy and agenda in Ondo State. He does not need to build on failure, but no qualms, being of such sound mind he will not let anything go to waste in Ondo State. Be rest assured that even you will value his governance in Ondo State. His track record as a developmental, achievement oriented and progressive leader is checkable. Peace
July 28, 2008 at 4:12 pm
lets wait and see what Minmiko will offer us. Agagu has done his own.
June 19, 2009 at 2:39 am
Agagu was already here and gone, we have seen what he did and what he was supposed to have done that he left undone. One thing I love in the man called Mimiko is the ability he has to follow a civilized way of getting his stolen mandate back from Agagu and his crooked party with out a repeat of the Omoboriowo’s saga. Now, Mimiko has the chance to utilize all the resources that this sun shine state has to turn Ondo state into a new Mecca of our generation that Agagu’s administration failed to achieve. Agagu’s political failure began with the appointment of his arrogant brother as his chief of staff, his brother in-law as the chairman of Okitipupa local government council, and many other political blunders he committed during his tenure as the governor of our state. History will always give an account of our behavior .
July 4, 2010 at 11:25 pm