MP Elijah Memusi the Kajiado Central was allegedly said to have copied part of his maiden speech at Parliament from a Nigerian governor's 2014 address. Memusi's address was found to have 10 instances of similarity with Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola's acceptance speech.
An example is of him thanking Kajiado Central constituents for electing him. “To the good people of Kajiado central goes my unflinching gratitude.
We salute your steadfastness, courage, loyalty, commitment and fierce determination to defend your sovereign rights,” he said. Aregbesola's gratitude for the people of Osun State was expressed similarly. “To the good people of Osun State goes our unflinching gratitude.
We salute your steadfastness, courage, loyalty, commitment and fierce determination to defend your sovereign rights and the integrity of our nascent democracy," he said.
The two leaders' pledges to give their mandates due consideration in meetings the needs of their people both read: “You have demonstrated in this election that in a democracy, power truly belongs to the people.
I am humbled and honoured by your trust and abiding faith in me and my party. I pledge that your confidence in us shall never be betrayed or taken for granted.
" US President Barack Obama set the bar high with shows of his oratory skills during campaigns and after he was elected first black president.
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," was the opening remark in Obama's acceptance speech.
He paused periodically to allow audiences to applaud, sparking interest in the content of leaders' acceptance speeches. It is no wonder then that speeches are no longer off the cuff laissez-faire remarks, but thought-though addresses witters by professionals.
Memusi highly likely had this in mind when preparing his speech, but what remains to be seen is if his track record will match that of Aregbesola, who has improved education, transport, infrastructure, security, and revenue collection.
