Fellow Compatriots, distinguished guests, fellow AD-USA and AD members, I thank you for taking the time to visit the AD-USA website. Whatever the reason for your visit, it is an indication that we share some things in common, one of which is finding solutions to the myriad of problems facing our country, Nigeria. As progressives we will always come together in one way or the other to try to uplift the living standards of our teeming population riveting in poverty. In spite of the massive rigging that enveloped our land during the last elections, I'm proud to say that AD still has several Senators, members of the House of Representatives, several members of the different house of Assemblies, a good number of Local Government Chairmen and quite a number of Councilors. This is to say that AD is still well represented at all levels of Government in Nigeria; this deserves commendation considering all the odds that we faced, and the evil machinations of the powers that be.
AD-USA was officially recognized as a Special Chapter of AD-Nigeria through a letter of proclamation, dated 10th February, 2004, executed by the then National Secretary, Dr. Lot. AD-USA hereby reaffirms its support for the Convention of September 28, 2004 where the delegates re-established their faith in the leadership capability of Chief Bisi Akande, and Senator Yohana of Taraba as Secretary. We implore the other side (faction) to not permit divisive individuals who are only out to use them for personal gains allow the continued division in the party. They should come back into the fold and let us build a strong party together. This brings me to the State of the Nation. It is clear to all political watchers and observers that Nigeria can never reach the Promised Land under the present administration. This is an administration that preaches one thing, and does another. All the atrocities that have been committed in the country in the last few years have been to a larger extent by members of the ruling Party.
Where do I start, is it the wave of intimidation of political opponents, and eventual assassinations of some, or the false moral preaching of the President whose every other act is immoral? How do you explain the case of a "mistaken identity" that gave room for a criminal to become a Governor? What about the case of a 419 Governor who had to change his names to match a stolen certificate he claims to be his own. What about the International case of a Governor who was arrested for stealing and money laundering. He was still allowed to reassume his "throne". I can go on and on. What we have is a bunch of misfits at the helms of power in our country. This is the main reason why we must not give up the fight. Rather than do the right thing by prosecuting these rogues-in-power relentlessly and unreservedly, the present administration created the medium to encourage them in their acts by stifling the opposition. Labour, that serves as the only remaining organ that stands to protect the rights of the layman was "gagged" through their kangaroo courts. The present administration operates out of fear.
They see the handwriting on the wall that their times are numbered and that the electorate, with proper education and information, will make the right choices in the next elections. This is the reason why they try to frustrate AD and her members all over the country. A good example is the case of the Governor of Oyo State who has flagrantly disobeyed the ruling of a High Court to swear in the legitimate claimer to the Chairmanship of Ibarapa East, but instead appointed a non-indigene of the area as an administrator rather than carry out a court order, all these with the Presidency watching. It is a jungle out there. My fellow compatriots, you can see that there is a lot to be done. Most of the solutions have to come from without. This re-emphasizes the need for each and every one of us to stay the cause, avoid unnecessary distractions, and be resolute in our commitment to AD as the only vehicle that can free our people from this "jungle". We should engage all tools that are available to us by virtue of our opportune location to help the party grow. We should embark on active Research and Development (R&D) to source out programs here that will benefit our party, vis-à-vis our people. I implore all of you who have left the party for one reason or the other to come back.
The pasture is not necessarily greener on the other side. Also, your contribution will be more recognized and valued by this party. There are also some others who are dining with the devil, sleeping with the enemies and keeping strange bedfellows. These progressive elements that got caught up in the web of the "belonging" syndrome, and are at the verge of losing their conscience, should rethink and come back where they actually belong. AD-USA has undergone a re-birth and the time is now for all those who believe in our manifesto to join hands with us in building a formidable party composed of men and women of integrity, accountability, selflessness, and service to mankind. Please visit other sections of this website, especially if you are visiting, to complete the online application and someone will be in touch with you promptly. Again Thank you and hope to meet you in person shortly. If however you need to reach me, I keep an open door. I welcome all your suggestions, comments and practical solutions to making our party grow. Come 2007 we are the people's dream and the force to beat.
Oloye Lekan Awojoodu
