Tinubu: Papa Fasanmi Was A True Progressive
Papa Ayo Fasanmi’s long sojourn on earth was for the good of all. He walked at the vanguard of all democrats, freedom fighters and believers in true federalism. To have lived to the age of 94 was God’s gift not only to him and his family, but to this nation he loved so deeply. Senator Fasanmi was an eminent politician, elder statesman and the beloved leader of Afenifere.
A colourful personality, Papa was principled, courageous and honest. He was a loyal and dependable ally of the indomitable Chief Obafemi Awolowo. For all his life, Pa Fasanmi practiced and advanced the virtues he learned at the feet of his leader. He never betrayed those values.
Like the American civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis, who was recently buried, Papa Fasanmi remained faithful to the truth for which he suffered greatly. Yet, no matter the cost, he never strayed from his principles. A brave man, he never flinched at the prospect of speaking truth to power. I had a close relationship with Paba Fasanmi, dating back many years. He was a mentor and role model to me, and many others who believe in progressive politics as a means to uplift our society and its people.
When Papa was recently admitted to the hospital for age-related sickness, I spoke to him and followed up with his close aide to monitor his situation. As Afenifere leader, he was a true believer in the importance of fiscal federalism as essential for the growth of Nigeria. His vision for our nation was a coherent and correct one. I commiserate with the family, associates and progressives throughout our country, the South-west and Ekiti State.
With Papa’s passing, we have lost someone special and excellent in every way. I also share in the grief of this moment with his political soulmates, Pa Fasoranti, Chief Bisi Akande, and others. I commiserate with Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State who was in regular contact with Papa, for the late Senator resided in Osogbo, where he spent 70 years of his life, and maintained a Chemist store, named Bamidupe Chemist, till the end. Papa Fasanmi devoted himself toward progressive development and democratic advancement.
This fine job has not been completed. The Nigeria of our dreams is still a work in progress. Papa struggled for that dream and supported those patriots, like President Muhammadu Buhari, who also toiled for the same goal.
Let us all learn from Papa Fasanmi’s example and join hands to move Nigeria towards the safe harbour of peace and prosperity. As Papa’s remains are being buried on Tuesday, we pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest. May God als
Safe Venues for Citizens
For twenty-four hours, he said, no transatlantic airships had arrived, and no more messages were coming from England. He did state, though, that a message from Berlin that’s in Germany announced that Hoffmeyer, a bacteriologist of the Metchnikoff School, had discovered the serum for the plague. That was the last word, to this day, that we of America ever received from Europe. If Hoffmeyer discovered the serum, it was too late.
If Hoffmeyer discovered the serum, it was too late, or otherwise, long ere this, explorers from Europe would have come looking for us. We can only conclude that what happened in America happened in Europe, and that, at the best, some several score may have survived the Scarlet Death.
