‘We have to hit the ground running’ — Oyinlola speaks on Coalition for Nigeria

Olagunsoye Oyinlola, coordinator of Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM), says the movement has to hit the ground running.

He said this at the launch of the movement, which took place at the Musa Yar’adua Center in Abuja on Wednesday.

CNM has the backing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

In a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, Obasanjo had said neither the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) nor the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could give Nigeria the leadership it deserves.

“We need a Coalition for Nigeria, CN. Coalition to salvage and redeem our country.  You can count me with such a movement,” the elder statesman had said.

“Coalition for Nigeria must have its headquarters in Abuja.”

Addressing members of the movement on Wednesday, Oyinlola said “there is need to run fast and ensure that the movement is carried to the nooks and crannies” of the country.

“The aims and objectives of the coalition make it mandatory for us to hit the ground running. Time is not on our side; if we are going to effect the aims of the coalition, we must run fast,” he said.

He said the desire of the movement is to see the new Nigeria, noting that there is a need for synergy between all the movements in the country.

According to him, this would help in achieving the common goal of giving the leadership of the country to “knowledgeable and vibrant young men”.

Oyinlola said the old ones in the coalition would be like “guardian angels” while the young ones would be in the driver seat.

“We are trying to be like guardian angels; it is you that must decide who is to do what and at what level. That is why we are having this meeting today and putting it back to you,” he said.

He said individuals would not bring money into the movement but that “everybody will contribute in order to avoid one person controlling and dictating the affairs of the movement”.

Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River state, said there is no political party in the country but platforms, making people crisscross from one platform to the other.

“What they are doing is seeking office not implementing a thought. But we also aware that a new generation is at vanguard of taking over and why our own generation is stepping back as Governor Oyinlola said,” he said.

“The new vanguard will lead but we step back and perhaps guide and share our experiences which may serve as guide to the new generation ”

He said the new generation needs mentorship and if they fail to prepare the next generation for the leadership role, the country would be doomed.

He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) have failed and have not been able to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.