By Gbenga Faturoti / Osogbo
Despite that she was sacked along with eight others from the Federal Executive Council (FEC), former Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, at Ilesa, Osun State, convened a solidarity rally to drum support for President Goodluck Jonathan's ambition in the 2015 presidential election.
Obada, at the Obokun Gbusi Town Hall in Ilesa shortly after a thanksgiving service held at Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa, expressed appreciation to President Jonathan for giving her the opportunity to serve the nation as Minister, noting that the administration has not disappointed Nigerians in its responsibilities.
While lauding the Federal Government's intervention in the activities of Islamic fundamentalists known as Boko Haram, Obada rated her tenure as member of the federal cabinet as "successful", saying her greatest achievement remains noticeable especially on the decrease in the activities of Boko Haram.
Obada was sacked alongside eight Ministers last week Mr. President.
She opined that the Boko Haram extremists were unable to carry out coordinated attacks again because of the collective dedication and seriousness attached to war against terrorists, and assured Nigerians that the present security challenges facing the country will soon become a thing of the past because of the new approach adopted by the Presidency and those in charge of defence and internal security.
In his sermon, the Bishop, Methodist Diocese of Elekuro, Ibadan, Oyo State, Rt. Rev. James O. Olusegun, extolled the leadership qualities of Erelu Obada and called on politicians in Ijesaland to make use of the vast experience of the former Minister to bring more development to Ijesaland.
Apart from the successes in the war against terrorists recorded by the Ministry of Defence during her tenure, Obada also declared that personnel in the ministry are in better shape as a result of exposure to trainings in the modern means of combating internal and external aggression.
Obada explained that she had been able to contribute immensely to her immediate environment, Osun State, through several projects initiated by the present administration.
According to her, "the projects include Army Barrack for over 1,000 officers and men of Nigerian Army in Ibodi, her hometown, and continuation of work on the abandoned Kajola water project.
While assuring of her continued stay in politics, Obada said she will not vie for any elective position but will remain an active politician to render service for the betterment of the society.
Her words: "I am humbled by this heroic welcome after serving as Minister. I don't have intention of vying for any elective post again, but I will remain an active politician for the sake of my people and the betterment of the society at large."
