What are the hallmarks of a good politician? That was the question notable political actors, technocrats and traditional rulers tried to dissect at the 65th birthday of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Senator Ganiyu Olarewaju Solomon, in Lagos. The Nation Newspaper’s Deputy Editor, EMMANUEL OLADESU highlights the significance of the event.
The storyline began with the life and times of his illustrious father, the late Alhaji Rafiu Ishola Solomon, a leader of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Mushin axis of Lagos in the Second Republic.
An ideologue and close associate of former Governor Lateef Jakande, the highly reverred Pa Solomon belonged to the old order, a rare breed that relished the power of party ideas, supremacy and discipline; leadership recruitment and followership enlistment, selfless service and the pursuit of ‘Freedom for All, Life More Abundant,’ the time-tested slogan and permanent objective of the progressive bloc.
Held in esteem by all and sundry, including opposition members who disagreed with him for partisan reasons, the old man has remained a factor in the political rise of many succeeding grassroots politicians, including the late Oba Olatunji Hamzat, a former state lawmaker, transport commissioner, Justice Forum leader, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member and father of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
His son, Ganiyu Olarewaju Solomon, has not only built on his imperishable record of party organisation,mobilisation and philanthropy, but has actually surpassed the feats. In the last 35 years, GOS, as he is fondly called by admirers,has made his mark in Lagos politics and public life, with his background as an offspring of a legend serving as an added advantage.
“He is like a sun that shines on Lagos State,” intoned a Muslim cleric, Hakeem Lawal, who also charged other politicians to always justify the confidence reposed in them. The cleric spoke at the ceremoby marking his birthday at the Highpoint Centre, Agidingbi, Lagos.
For 35 years, Solomon has placed his hands on the plough and he has not looked back. He has remained a consistent progressive who jettisoned overtures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to jump ship in challenging moments.
After the initial setback of winning a House of Assembly seat without a swearing in in 1998, he later served as chairman of Mushin local government. In 2003, he was elected into the House of Representatives. In 2007, outgoing Governor Bola Tinubu, now president of Nigeria, surrendered his senatorial ticket to him in Lagos West, an action that won the National Leader more respect from his vast followers. Solomon also served for eight years in the Senate before he was appointed as a member of TETFUND.
While serving in these capacities,his focus has been the pursuit of public good and giving succour to the masses, a vocation that was his late father’s pastime.
The huge crowd at his birthday attested to his stature in the party and the society. Led by Deputy Governor Hamzat, who described him as a “brother, a family member,” dignitaries included his wife, Oluremi Hamzat, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Oyedele, GAC members, Prince Oluyole Olusi,Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, who recalled the contributions of Pa Rafiu Solomon to socio-economic and political development of Lagos; former Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Deputy Governor Sarah Sosan, House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Dr. Yomi Finnih, Senator Idiat Adebule, Senators Tony Adefuye, Musiliu Obanikoro, Bareewu Ashafa, and Adeseye Ogunlewe, Chief Mutiu Are, member of Northeast Development Commission and Otunba Olufemi Pedro.
Also in the mood of joy were Lagos State Housing Commissioner Moroof Akibderu-Fatai, Special Adviser on Works, Adekunle Olayinka, Chief Rabiu Oluwa, Pa M.A Taiwo, Chief Akanni Seriki, Tunde Balogun, Oyinlomo Danmole, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi, Adegboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Kasali Orimadegun, Oba Abdulateef Adam of Ikate, Surulere, Yemi Ali, Emmanuel Bamigboye, Kayode Ajala, Deji Jakande, Seyi Jakande, Bisi Ayinla Yusuf, Okanlawon Sanni, Lanre Ogunyemi, Bode Oyedele, Demola Sodiq, Dr. Muritala Seriki, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi of Igbobi Sabe, Kunle Jeje, Wale Mogaji, Samiat Bada, Kehinde Babalola, and Lagos white chiefs who represented the Eleko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
The celebrator, Solomon, accompanied by his delectable wife and children, adorned a cream agbada, with his typical “GOS cap,” to match. Hale and hearty, the eminent politician looked like a man in his forties, fresh like a fish in the water, beaming his trademark infectious smiles, hugging and exchanging banters with hia guests.
The highlights of the ceremony were readings from the Quoran, prayers for Solomon by the Chief Imam of Lagos, Oluwatoyin Abdul Nola, who was accompanied by not less than 20 Imams; two lectures by Dr. Abdulrahman Ahamad and Lawal, prayers for President and Lagos State government, speeches by some dignitaries, and cutting of the unusual mosque-like birthday cake.
A Methodist priest, Bishop Stephen Adegbite of the National Pilgrim Board, offered the Christian prayer.
Renowned preacher, Ahamad, congratulated the celebrator for his feats, urging him to be thankful to God. He spoke on the import of existence, stressing that the essence of living is to please God.
“One of the questions that has puzzled mankind is the purpose of life and its meaning. The purpose of life is not to own the world, to acquire wealth. The purpose of life is to worship and serve God,” he said.
Turning to GOS, he added:”If you are in the Unites States, you would have reached the milestone and become a senior citizen entitled to certain privileges. May God allow Nigeria to get there.
“You should show gratitude for the blessings and favours of God bestowed on you. Your parents left their footprints on the sand of time. You are building on the legacy.”
Fashola, who also hailed Solomon, described him as a gentleman. He thanked his wife for supporting him at the domestic level as he forged ahead in his political career.
The former Works and Housing minister said he first met the celebrator 22 years ago, adding that he made a lasting impression on him.
Fashola stressed:”I knew GOS since 2002, when our paths crossed. He was one of the first council chairmen when I became chief of staff to President Tinubu, when he was governor of Lagos State; quiet, soft spoken, with a deliberate choice of words.
“His political base is in Mushin, a place where his father had paid for his future. Then, I later met Yemi Ali and Agbalagbi. GOS is closely associated with the control and leadership tussles in Mushin. He has made contributions to development.”
In his lecture, Lawal reflected on the essence of public service, admonishing politicians and office holders to erect good legacies. He said only public officers who serve meritoriously will earn the respect of the people.
Lawal, who also applauded Solomon’s relationship with the religious leaders, urged him to always thank God at all times.
For Obasa, who described GOS as his brother; very calm, gentle and friendly; the Mushin juggernaut also has a heart of steel and he is like the rock of Gibraltar. He applauded him for his loyalty to the party and support its cause.
“He has paid his dues. I pray that God should give him long life. He was chairman of Mushin local government when I was a councillor in Agege Council under the chairmanship of Enoc Ajiboso. He is straightforward, frank and sincere,” he said.
Turning to the audience, which was made up principally of APC members, Obasa added:”Let us keep the relationship that our party has offered us.”
Elderstatesman Basorun, Second Republic Secretary to Lagos State Government, thanked God for Solomon’s life. He also paid tribute to the memory of his father, who was an influential progressive leader in the state, noting that he is a replica of the deceased party elder.
No doubt, the birthday paled into the celebration of Pa Solomon’s memory and political legacies. Hamzat, whose father was mentored by the Mushin UPN leader, said:”Solomon and Hamzat had built the house. May we not collapse it.”
The deputy governor told a beautiful story of family friendship involving the children of the two icons, recalling that “when I married in 1992, GOS and others came to honour me in the United Kingdom. We belong to the same family.”
Hamzat said while he agreed that GOS is gentle, he is also tough. It may be a veiled allusion to Oba Hamzat’s impression of the senator as recorded in his memoir, ‘Reflections of a Public Man.’
Thanking God for GOS’ accomplishments, he also thanked God for giving the astute politician a good and caring wife.
Culled from The Nation Newspaper.
