Monday May 7, 2001
"Fellow Ijesas, Nigerians & Friends of Nigeria:,
I come to you today with a simple request:I need your support to put in place my vision to make Nigeria a better country. I hope you will consider "My promise to serve the people of Nigeria as my pledge to 'Do the right thing' for our nation & our people."
The legislative body of a nation is a very important arm of any democratic government because the 'Rule of Law' in a nation starts with having the appropriate laws in place. Several retrogressive laws in the 'books' are redundant and they hinder the progress, growth and development of Nigeria. Consequently, this situation creates unnecessary bureaucracy that hinders
investment and entrepreneurship in our system. This affects every aspect of our nation's life, for example: healthcare, education, banking system, judiciary, governance, patriotism, respect for others, business development and the value of the Naira.
We need to make the necessary changes in the "laws of the land" by getting the appropriate bills passed and effecting the right amendments to our constitution, so that (together) we can help our people achieve their dreams of self-sufficiency. This will also enable Nigeria to achieve its potential in Africa & the world at large.
There are several pressing issues in Nigeria that we need to address, such as;
- Poor governance,
- Corruption,
- Immoral (unethical) values,
- Lack of respect for human life,
- Astronomically high unemployment rate,
- Collapse of the farm sector of our economy,
- Decay of our cities,
- Skyrocketing inflation coupled with dependency on imports,
- Breakdown of family values, and
- The Deterioration of the nation's infrastructure [in healthcare, education, transport system,
utilities, law enforcement agencies, etc.].
The people of Nigeria have to make the right choices for our future at the next General Election; that is the essence of participatory democracy.
Every Nigerian is aware of the dangers that confront the Nation, hence we must begin to change the future of our 'motherland' for the better by electing people with high moral values to leadership positions. We must vote credible people with self-discipline to our Legislative Houses and Executive political positions.
I intend to bring hope to our people.
I intend to strengthen our belief in ourselves and our country.
I intend to rejuvenate the patriotic "can-do" team spirit of our people because as a "Team Everybody Achieves More."
In the last several months, I have held discussions with people in Ijesa North Federal Constituency about my readiness to serve as their duly elected Representative to the Federal House of Reps in Abuja (the Party Primaries come up in late 2002 & the General Election in early 2003).
Between now and then, I shall continue to present my Vision for Ijesa North (in particular) & Nigeria (in general) to the voters. I will ask our people to hear my views, judge my competence and weigh my success in chosen endeavors. At the same time, I will continue to seek the counsel of our people on matters that are of utmost importance to them and I shall listen to their voices.
We can make Nigeria the land of "Justice, Liberty, Prosperity, Happiness and Freedom."
Together, we can make Nigeria a Great Nation.
I am believing God for guidance to successfully carry out this mission. I make a pledge to you today that I shall serve the people of Ijesa North Federal Constituency and Nigeria with all my strength, with dignity and humility, and to the very best of my ability. I shall bring along the upright moral values imbibed in me by my parents, and the knowledge plus experience gained from formal education and training -- {From Primary School at UMC Ibadan, Secondary School at Government College, Ibadan, HSC at Federal Government College, Odogbolu, Medical School at The University of Ibadan, Postgraduate Residency Training at UCH Ibadan & Chicago's Cook County Hospital, through MBA Business School at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville}.
The compassion of a caring physician combined with the ethical & moral lessons learnt from my parents and teachers shall be put to use for the good of our people. 'A tree does not make a forest' therefore, I need you to achieve our dream of a better Nigeria.
Your prayers, word-of-mouth advertising, moral & financial support will be appreciated.
- We must empower our people to demand positive results from their elected officials.
- We must let our people understand & enjoy the real benefits of a democratic society.
- We must harness our resources for the greater good of Nigeria.
- We must 'Keep Hope Alive.'
In the words of a friend & classmate from my high school days: Surely, "Naija-go-better!"
Arise, O Compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey!
God Bless,
'owont'
Dr. Toks Owoeye.
Toks4Rep2003 Committee,
Ibokun, Osun State,
Nigeria & Dallas, Texas, USA.
Feel free to forward it to all natives & friends of Ijesa North Federal Constituency and Nigeria. Kindly send reply to the "Toks4Rep2003 Committee" at this email address: IjesaNorth2003@aol.com
Arise, O compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labor of our heroes past Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.
Guides
Nigeria 2003