(News investigators) The three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators say Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, is in support of Gboyega Oyetola’s nomination as minister.
Lere Oyewumi, who represents Osun west, said they have confidence in the capacity of Oyetola, immediate past governor of the state, to deliver.
Oyewumi spoke on behalf of his colleagues from Osun while Oyetola was being screened by the upper legislative chamber as one of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, on Friday.
Oyewumi said he and two other senators representing the state held a meeting with Adeleke on Thursday.
He added that they all agreed to back Oyetola’s nomination as a representative from the state.
“The man standing before us here has many accolades,” Oyewumi said in reference to Oyetola.
“The three of us representing Osun state in this hallowed chamber met with the executive governor of Osun, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday.
“And speaking on Adeleke’s behalf, we give our total support for the nominee standing before you — Mr Gboyega Oyetola as the next minister from Osun. We believe in him.
“So speaking on his behalf and on behalf of two other senators from Osun state, we have no objection to his nomination and we believe that he is going to perform.”
‘IT’S GOOD FOR DEMOCRACY’
Godswill Akpabio, president of the senate, said the position of the senators bodes well for the nation’s democracy.
“I think this is very good for Nigeria’s democracy. When you hear members of the opposing party speaking on behalf of a nominee from the majority party,” he said.
“That is why the senate is very different. We speak across party lines. We are not interested in the party when we come here.
“I am very delighted to hear what you have just said. Your people have sanctioned that you represent them. Your governor who is from a different party has sent emissaries here.”
Adeleke of the PDP defeated Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2022 governorship election in Osun, thereby ending Oyetola’s re-election bid.
Oyetola challenged Adeleke’s victory up to the supreme court.
