WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM; WHY IS UPN THE WAY OUT?

This is a copy of a membership card of the defunct Action Group.

Action Group was a political party formed by Late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

This party metamorphosed from Egbe Omo Oduduwa which was formed in 1947. Awolowo and his political associates formed Action Group and was launched in 1952 at Owo in Ondo State.

Some of the political associates of Chief Obafemi Awolowo then were Chief Bode Thomas, Chief J.F Odunjo, Chief James Oladejo Adigun, Chief Alfred Rewane, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Joseph Tarka, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Adeleke Adedoyin, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Michael Omisade, Chief Taiwo Oredein, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Bisi Onabanjo.

These two people originally were members of Action Group, but later left the party. They are Chief Ladoke Akintola and Chief Remi Fani-Kayode. These are just few names that have come to memory.

This party formed the government in Western Nigeria in 1956. During this period, Western Nigeria witnessed tremendous progress and development which brought the establishment of the first African Television Station in Ibadan, the first Sports Stadium in Africa, Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Cocoa House at Ibadan, establishment of University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

This government also established Housing estates like WEMABOD Housing Estate and also various Forest Reserves. We also need to mention the likes of Farm Settlements and industrial estates created by the government formed by this political party.

The political party also introduced free primary education and free health services. The slogan of the party was 'freedom for all, life more abundant'.


WHERE ARE THE LEGACIES OF THIS OLD POLITICAL PARTY?

Can we say there's freedom in our land?, can we also say life is abundant, in which human lives are being terminated in the face of killing, being occasioned by activities of cultists, ritual killings, armed robbery, senseless and wilful killing?.

We also have lives of individuals being terminated as a result of suicide caused by frustration, death arising from sickness etc

Can we say our democracy has developed above pettiness, where a member of opposition would not be seen as a personal enemy?

An offshoot of the party was the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

The UPN in Ondo State established Owena Bank,Okitipupa Oil Company, Oluwa Glass Factory, Confidence Insurance Company.

Where are these companies today?

Don't you think we need to go back to the drawing board and adopt the oldest party in Nigeria, UPN for betterment of the people and good governance?

These are food for thought for us!