By Agbongiasede Precious
Chief Dr. Patrick Osagie Elohor otherwise known as Ultimate Equal has officially signed out of political activities due to the system failure.
In a speech given during a press conference today at the Edo state Labour Party Secretariat, the president of One Love Foundation and an active chieftain of Labour Party, announced his resignation from active politics, while also giving a speech about his various contributions to the Labour Party during his political journey there.
Patrick Eholor's report began with a briefing on a number of the contributions made by him to the party and the nation in general. He, at first, spoke about the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomole, stating his admiration for the past governor which led him to become a member of LP back then.
The well-known human rights activist further went on to mention several of the contributions he had made over the years, some of which include providing alternative electricity to healthcare centres, such as hospitals and police stations, in a bid to make sure that the critical services provided by these important agencies are not hampered due to lack of electricity. He, as well, has been very active in the educational sector in the state, fighting for the provision of good roads in Ekehuan, Edo State, to ensure the access to education for those in need, whilst also fighting against the harassment of women and girls in schools.
Furthermore, he mentioned his advocacy for the youths of Nigeria during the viral EndSARS protest in Nigeria which shook the entire world in 2020 which warranted All Campus Show to honoured him Father of Nigerian students(FONS) Also stating his joint activism efforts with well-known activists like Sowore, he as well mentions several other relevant contributions he has made in several sectors to the nation over the years, with one of them being the sensational one million-man march that took place at the Benin- Lagos Road during the time of Tony Anini which, at that time, was covered by BBC, and the protection of Nigerians in diaspora which he did by paving the way for a few multinationals in the House of Representatives and Senate, referencing the Nigerian Ambassador to China to that effect.
He, as well, revealed his efforts in the crime sector, stating, "Again we will recall that I have challenged EFCC most especially the chairman to focus more on the corrupt politicians instead as they are our problem in this country.
"The Inspector General of Police wasn't left out as I also Advocate against VIP police, the ones left is not enough to protect each citizens and yet we have thousands of policemen attached to some group of individuals.
"There is hardly any sector I have not faced/challenged in this struggles as my name always appears in their table.
"However, it saddens me to say that, in our beloved Nigeria, the very institutions we are meant to trust have become questionable. The Nigerian police, judiciary, and government have not always demonstrated the level of trustworthiness that the Nigerian people deserve. This is a sobering reality that should concern each and every one of us".
Chief Dr. Patrick Elohor further urged all Nigerians to strive towards the hope of a better nation in the same vein as like minded Nigerians who came before, and also remain committed to the cause of creating the better nation deserved by all. This preceded the announcement of his resignation from active politics. He stated, " Through all these struggles, I have no regrets, and I want to categorically that I am resigning from active politics especially from Labour Party, I don't have anything personal against Julius Abure but his tenure has expired and I also read in the newspaper that the court has reinstated him again. I am a patriotic citizens of Nigeria I cannot remain in political party if I cannot trust the leadership as one of my popular saying goes; if you cannot trust a messenger, you cannot trust his message and this has become a mockery to the Judicial system so I wish the Labour Party Goodluck. I vow to continue my activism as the Senior Advocate of the Masses. However, I would like to make it clear that I have no intention of crossing over to any other political party".
He concluded his statement by affirming his deep felt gratitude to a number of individuals, who, as stated by Patrick Elohor, include Peter Obi who, according to him, brought the LP to limelight, Professor Pat Otomi, Pa Victor Aguebor, the National Leader of LP, Rev. Sam Omede, who served as the first Chairman of Labour Party in Edo State, Madam Osayuki, who once contested for a seat in the House of Representatives, Dr. Okundaye, a leader of the party, Tony Akene Lemour, one of the pillars that has been advocating for Good Governance, Kenneth Okonkwo, Osaigbovo Olumide Akpata, the past Gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party, Edo state, Comrade Prince Ewemade Konkons (PhD), Agho Aiseosa (Agho Jnr) and Kelly Ogbaloi, as well as his excos.
To round up his speech, Chief Dr. Patrick Elohor Osagie reiterated, "As I reaffirm my commitment to serving the people of Nigeria, I urge each and every one of us to remain steadfast in our pursuit of a better nation, one that serves the best interests of its citizens and upholds the values of justice, transparency, and equity".