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Tag: Southwest

  • Rethinking Southwest priorities (2)

    Rethinking Southwest priorities (2)

    Of course, I am not a reader of minds and I cannot unequivocally vow for every person that seeks leadership position what their motivations are. It is possible that the people are deceived and manipulated by sweet-talking political charlatans. It is also possible that the people are too poor and ignorant to know when they are being conned. Such would not be unique to our clime. It happens everywhere including in the most advanced countries.

    But I know that the only reason that a genuine human being with a moral conscience would consider making the sacrifice to run for a leadership position is to make a difference in people’s lives and to make a mark. That was the case with the leader of the West in its golden era. I would like to assume that our current crop of leaders share this motive.

    And I would also assume that they have the skill sets needed to make a mark. There could be a difference in the degree to which these skill sets are shared. But that is not unusual and it should not be a liability in the discharge of the responsibilities of leadership. Therefore, between the past and the present, leadership should not be the difference. To the extent that my assumption is wrong, we have a serious problem.

    How about followership? There is no doubt that there has been a serious erosion of the values that sustained us through the 19th century civil wars and the brutal colonial exploitation. But erosion, serious as it is, is not annihilation. Those values still predominate in the larger Yoruba culture despite the incidences of 419 and it is by appeal to them that we judge actions and behaviours, including those in the economic and political realms.

    We still hold dear our obsession with hard work as we detest laziness and parasitism. We still believe that good education is key to a successful life. Therefore, households make the effort to give their children good education even when they have to pay through the nose. And what must be a concern to all is that the poorest worker or artisan now holds firmly the belief in the superiority of private schools over public schools and is not deterred by the exorbitant cost.

    I think that it is safe to assume that our people are generally good and they have an abiding faith in those cherished values. However, they need the encouragement of leaders and the hope that their hard work will be rewarded.

    To my mind, however, one important difference between the past and the present is the “us” versus “them” mentality that comes with the artificial division of the region into autonomous states. Surely, not all was well between the sections of the Yoruba nation in the remote and immediate past. I touched on this sordid history two weeks ago. And as we know, the creation of states has inadvertently opened up some old wounds of tribal animosity to the detriment of the desperately needed cooperation across the Southwest.

    It was because I believe strongly that we must find a creative way of blurring the sharp and dangerous edges that the artificial boundaries between states have created, and remove the wedges that had effectively blocked the development of the entire region that I and other well-meaning citizens welcomed the emergence of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), a bold initiative of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) a few years ago.

    For no matter the divisions, the people of Southwest are one and their leaders, no matter what the temptations are, must refrain from putting them asunder. States are supposedly created for administrative purposes. They must not be used in a way that retards growth or limit the opportunities for the people, and certainly never in a way that tears apart the fabric of the Yoruba nation.

    In the light of the difference between the past and the present Southwest in terms of the transition from one region to six states, what adjustments need to be made to ensure that the people still matter and their social and economic interests are enhanced?

    Voluntary regional integration must be the policy objective of the leaders of the states and region and party affiliation must not stand in the way of this important ideal. Years ago, I made this point in a keynote address to Egbe Omo Yoruba National Convention that took place in Baltimore, Maryland. It was also part of my submission when I gave the Bola Ige Memorial Lecture a few years ago. DAWN had not been established in those days, and the partisan war over rigged elections was still very much fierce. The challenge was for victims to accept the leadership of those who stole their mandate and work with them for the integration of the region. Happily, that war is over and political enemies of the past now wine and dine together on the same political table.

    What needs to be overcome now is fiefdom mentality and leadership temptation to resist cross-fertilisation of ideas and practices across territorial boundaries.

    Thankfully, the present leadership is making the effort to reassure us that it gets it, as demonstrated by the recently reported lecture that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola delivered on “The Imperative of Unity” in Ado-Ekiti at the invitation of Governor Ayo Fayose on the occasion of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State.

    I would like to end with three observations on this development. First, we should all be pleased with the visuals of Ogbeni Aregbesola and Governor Fayose sitting side by side at an event commemorating the founding of Fayose’s state. Ordinarily this should not even be a remarkable scene but for the degrading level of our politics. That reason appears to be prevailing is therefore a thing of joy. Of course, there will be various interpretations of motivation. I am not worried about that. As I mentioned earlier, I do not read minds. I am genuinely happy however that our political leaders have attained the maturity that enables them to reach out across party divide.

    Second, according to media reports, Ogbeni Aregbesola identified the revival of agriculture, especially food production, as one area of cooperation among the states of the Yoruba nation in order to eliminate hunger. This ought to be a priority of the region’s political leadership. Years ago, with the creation of artificial scarcity, Governor Fashola learnt the hard way that a state must not outsource its food supply to other sections of the country. Vowing to prevent a recurrence, he wisely invested in agricultural projects across the Southwest.

    Ogbeni Aregbesola also advised Yoruba nation to “unite in terms of integrating our development strategies in education, commerce, economy, agriculture and tourism, among others.” Again, this is commonsensical and no one appears better qualified or motivated to lead this effort especially in educational integration. The feat that Aregbesola has accomplished in education in Osun is legendary despite the challenge of resources. Imagine if there is a common effort across Yoruba nation such that, for example, there is a coordinated effort to integrate tertiary institutions with campuses specialising in major areas of learning and scholarship.

    Finally, then, this last point leads me to the unwholesome development in the common effort of Oyo and Osun states in the promotion of tertiary education in the very important field of technology. Both Governors Aregbesola and Ajimobi are two of my favourite leaders with clear headedness and strong commitment to development.

    I am aware that there is a history of rancour dating back to the tenure of Governors Oyinlola and Alao-Akala who also belonged to the same party. The issue is therefore beyond partisan divide. It is past time to ditch the tempting resort of our people to the worst parochialist devil of our nature. Rather, we must now appeal to the best angels therein. It is time for both traditional and civil leaders to resolve the issue in the interest of Yoruba integration of which Ogbeni Aregbesola spoke so eloquently in Ado Ekiti. The future of the innocent youths is at stake.

     

     

     

  • PDP national chairman not zoned to Southwest, says Dokpesi

    PDP national chairman not zoned to Southwest, says Dokpesi

    A national chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, has said the party did not zone the position to the Southwest,  but to the South.

    He spoke yesterday in Nasarawa, Nasarawa State.

    “I think the media is helping in confusing the matter regarding the national chairmanship position of our party, PDP, as there was no time the leadership of the party at the national level zoned the chairmanship position to anybody.

    “Chairman of caretaker committee made it clear that as the Presidency is zoned to the three geo-political zones in the North for 2019, so national chairmanship is zoned to the three geo-political zones in the South.

    “That is the position that will be sustained and maintained till the convention in Port Harcourt.

    “I am contesting for this chairmanship position to unite members of the party so the party can come out stronger and victorious in 2019,’’ he said.

    Dokpesi said PDP was the only party that could provide support as well as make Nigeria’s economy stable and great.

    He urged Nigerians to support the party for the development of the country.

  • Ondo APC crisis: Southwest APC chairmen back Kekemeke

    Ondo APC crisis: Southwest APC chairmen back Kekemeke

    •Chieftains: party ’ll conduct free, fair governorship primary

    The Forum of State Chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest Zone has backed its embattled member in Ondo State, Isaac Kekemeke.

    It called for calm among APC members in the state.

    The forum, in a statement yesterday, said it would not support the idea of calling for a new chairman at this critical time because Kekemeke had worked hard for the party’s popularity across the state.

    The statement was jointly signed by the chairmen in the five other states in the zone: Chiefs Oladele Ajomale (Lagos), Akin Oke (Oyo), Gboyega Famodun (Osun), Jide Awe (Ekiti) and Roqeeb Adeniji (Ogun) and the Zonal Secretary, Mr. Ayo Afolabi.

    It expressed concern about the crisis and appealed to members not to allow the fifth columnists to infiltrate the party with the aim of preventing it from winning the forthcoming election.

    Allaying the fears that the primary might be manipulated in favour of any particular governorship aspirant, the forum emphasised that Kekemeke would not have any role to play in the primary because the party’s national leadership would conduct it.

    “We like to state that the party will conduct a free, fair, open and credible primary election devoid of any interference from any quarters as was done in Kogi and Edo states.

    “The state party chairman has no role whatsoever to play in the process and conduct of the primary election as the team to conduct the primary will be put together by our party’s national headquarters.

    “Up till now, Kekemeke had performed creditably well in mobilising the party. He and his state executive had increased and expanded the party’s acceptance to the generality of the people of Ondo State. The party will, therefore, not be favourably disposed to any clamour for the change of its structure and leadership at this critical time.

    “We appeal to all our party members and the governorship aspirants in particular to remain calm, prevail on their individual supporters to allow peace to reign for the conduct of a transparent primary election that will usher in a candidate that will be acceptable to the generality of the people of Ondo State,” the statement read.

  • ‘Mimiko, Fayose zoning pact won’t work’

    ‘Mimiko, Fayose zoning pact won’t work’

    A factional group within the Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to remain defiant against the “zoning within zoning” arrangement being championed by  Governors Ayodele Fayose and Olusegun Mimiko to elect the party’s national chairman.

    The group, led in Oyo State by top supporters of Prof. Taoheed Ladoja and the zonal factional chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, said the position of the two governors was not bidding on the party.

    According to them, the decision of the two governors was self-serving and not in the party’s interest.

    Sighted with Adedoja at the Oyo State PDP Secretariat were party leaders like former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin, former PDP state Chairman Mr. Yinka Taiwo and Secretary Alhaji Bashiru Akanbi, former Minister for Special Duties Elder Wole Oyelese, two former Speakers of the state House Assembly Maroof Atilola and Asimiyu Alarape and others from the state’s six geo-political zones.

    Adedoja, who admitted that though he was present at the meeting in Akure jointly presided over by Mimiko and Fayose, said nothing would stop him from going on to contest the national chairmanship position.

    In a chat with The Nation yesterday, he said the party’s position is supreme “and it is on that position we stand”.

    Describing the position of the two governors in Akure as inconsequential, Adedoja said he was qualified to occupy the national chairmanship seat, having been tested as a politician, who had connections across the Niger and speaks the mind and language of the North.

    He said: “Even as I am speaking with you, our campaign train is now in Warri, Delta State. And we are already having the support of the North. I am much favoured  because of my pedigree and we have made our position known even at the Akure meeting that we are not for  zoning within zoning arrangement. That is for the two governors and not for the party.

    “We have the party members behind us and we shall prevail over them. All we know is that the position of the party’s national chairman has been zoned to the Southwest. Today, as I am speaking , there are four contenders in the race, my humble self from Oyo State, Chief Bode George and Jimi Agbaje from Lagos State and Professor Tunde Adediran from Ekiti State.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • PDP convention: Southwest renews bid for chairman

    PDP convention: Southwest renews bid for chairman

    •Youths campaign for George

    Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday renewed its bid for the national chairmanship, saying it is consistent with the party’s principled position on zoning, equity, justice and fair play.

    Acknowledging that the slot was zoned to the South, which encompasses the Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth, the party chieftains urged the Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee to streamline the zoning arrangement to enable the Southsouth enjoy the slot.

    However, the region is divided by the ambition of the former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, and former Lagos State governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, who is allegedly sponsored by the PDP governors.

    A source said some chieftains loyal to Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko are pushing for postponement of the convention till next year to enable him participate in the contest, following expiration of his tenure of office.

    In their view, Mimiko has a track record of political participation and leadership, adding that he is conversant with the party tradition, vision, structures and goals.

    At a news conference in Lagos, a pro-George group, the Southwest Democratic Youth Vanguard, urged the national leadership to zone the chairmanship to the Southwest.

    The group stressed that it is the only zone that has not enjoyed the slot, despite its strategic roles in the history and success of the party since 1999.

    Its coordinator, Kola Salau, said the other zones in the South should concede the position to the Southwest because the highest ranking political office holder, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu, is from the Southeast and the last Acting Chairman, Uche Secondus, is from the Southsouth.

    Urging the Caretaker Committee to uphold the principles of fairness, fair-play and collective interest, he said the party could only achieve this, if the recommendation of the Ekweremadu Committee on zoning to the Southwest is implemented.

    Salau added: “You cannot merely zone the chairmanship to the South. This leaves room for distortions and utter confusion about the traditional zoning arrangement, which stipulates that whatever is zoned to the North must come to the South and vice versa in any zoning arrangement.”

    The coordinator also said if the position was zoned to the Southwest, Lagos should have it because other state chapters have produced party executives at the zonal and national levels.

    Urging the party to consider George, he said: “Experience, integrity, maturity, boldness and knowledge of the party constitution are key attributes in the selection of the topmost position. We believe Chief Olabode George adequately possesses these qualities.

    “He has the credibility, the temperament, the gravitas, discipline, national network and a vast pool of connections across the ethnic divide.”

    At the news conference were local party leaders from Lagos, including Segun Sowole, Elder John Agbaje, Evangelist Israel Ogunrinde, Mrs. Dewumi Williams and Chief Victor Olajide.

    Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday renewed its bid for the national chairmanship, saying it is consistent with the party’s principled position on zoning, equity, justice and fair play.

    Acknowledging that the slot was zoned to the South, which encompasses the Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth, the party chieftains urged the Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee to streamline the zoning arrangement to enable the Southsouth enjoy the slot.

    However, the region is divided by the ambition of the former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, and former Lagos State governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, who is allegedly sponsored by the PDP governors.

    A source said some chieftains loyal to Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko are pushing for postponement of the convention till next year to enable him participate in the contest, following expiration of his tenure of office.

    In their view, Mimiko has a track record of political participation and leadership, adding that he is conversant with the party tradition, vision, structures and goals.

    At a news conference in Lagos, a pro-George group, the Southwest Democratic Youth Vanguard, urged the national leadership to zone the chairmanship to the Southwest.

    The group stressed that it is the only zone that has not enjoyed the slot, despite its strategic roles in the history and success of the party since 1999.

    Its coordinator, Kola Salau, said the other zones in the South should concede the position to the Southwest because the highest ranking political office holder, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu, is from the Southeast and the last Acting Chairman, Uche Secondus, is from the Southsouth.

    Urging the Caretaker Committee to uphold the principles of fairness, fair-play and collective interest, he said the party could only achieve this, if the recommendation of the Ekweremadu Committee on zoning to the Southwest is implemented.

    Salau added: “You cannot merely zone the chairmanship to the South. This leaves room for distortions and utter confusion about the traditional zoning arrangement, which stipulates that whatever is zoned to the North must come to the South and vice versa in any zoning arrangement.”

    The coordinator also said if the position was zoned to the Southwest, Lagos should have it because other state chapters have produced party executives at the zonal and national levels.

    Urging the party to consider George, he said: “Experience, integrity, maturity, boldness and knowledge of the party constitution are key attributes in the selection of the topmost position. We believe Chief Olabode George adequately possesses these qualities.

    “He has the credibility, the temperament, the gravitas, discipline, national network and a vast pool of connections across the ethnic divide.”

    At the news conference were local party leaders from Lagos, including Segun Sowole, Elder John Agbaje, Evangelist Israel Ogunrinde, Mrs. Dewumi Williams and Chief Victor Olajide.

  • Southwest PDP crisis persists

    Southwest PDP crisis persists

    •No truce in Ogun, Osun, Lagos chapters

    The crisis in the Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated at the weekend as some chapters failed to agree on the proposal by two governors to present a single list of delegates for the national convention next month.

    The division in the zone persisted, following the refusal of certain chieftains loyal to the embattled “National Chairman”, Senator Modu Sheriff and the National Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, to sheathe their swords.

    At the meeting of selected zonal leaders at the Eko Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos many chieftains reiterated their loyalty to Makarfi. They stressed that his committee was set up in accordance with the PDP constitution.

    Former Works Minister Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, from Lagos State; former Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Adejare Bello; and former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, from Oyo State, emphasised that the region was backing Makarfi.

    But the embattled National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, disagreed. He said that Sheriff was the authentic chairman.

    He added that he remained  secretary, until resolution of the litigation triggered by the leadership crisis.

    The meeting, which was attended by selected leaders from Oyo, Osun and Lagos states, was summoned by Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, his Ondo State counterpart, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Senator Buruji Kashamu, from Ogun East.

    Although Fayose explained that only leaders of the state without governors were invited, Ogun State leaders were not present and no explanation was offered for their absence.

    At the meeting were former Osun State Deputy Governor Olusola Obada Chief Tunde Odanye; former Sports Minister Prof. Taoheed Adedoja; Wole Oke; Ganiyu Olaoluwa; Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele and Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd).

    Others were Agboola Dominic, Femi Carena, Tajudeen Agoro, Niyi Owolade, Dr. Tokunbo Pearse, Pa Kola Balogun, Segun Adewale, Owokoniran, Dr. Ade Dosunmu and Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi.

    There was a mild drama at the venue when some Osun chieftains stormed out to protest the governors’ advice that the chapter should close ranks and present a joint list.

    The aggrieved chieftains said the proposal favoured unpopular chieftains, who lost out in the ward, local government and state congresses.

    A chieftain said: “It is better to conduct an election to select delegates as this will give opportunity to leaders and groups to test their popularity.”

    Olaoluwa, who pacified the protesters, said the chapter would “thoroughly discuss the option before taking a stand”.

    He said: “I advise we don’t disperse yet. Let’s go downstairs to discuss further and resolve our differences before we take a stand.”

    Lagos PDP chieftains were led by Ogunlewe and Balogun, who belong to the two main groups, led by Chief Olabode George and Adewale. The George camp installed Adegoke Salvador as chairman. But Adewale, the managing director of Aeroland Company, rejected the outcome of the congress. He said he was the authentic chairman.

    After Ogunlewe briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting, Dosunmu and Owokoniran said he lacked the mandate to speak to reporters. In their view, Balogun led the chieftains to the meeting.

    Balogun, who reluctantly spoke with reporters, assured that party elders would resolve the crisis in the chapter.

    Adewale was also conciliatory, as he apologised to George for any wrong doing, promising to mobilise his group for reconciliation.

    Mimiko, who left before the meeting closed, said the zone made progress in resolving the crises affecting chapters.  He said Southwest PDP will go to the national convention as a united region.

    Bello said it was in the interest of the region to resolve its internal problem before the convention. He hailed the governors and Kashamu for the peace moves.

    Folarin said reconciliation became necessary following contrary positions taken by leaders.

    He said reality dawned on the PDP family that only the Makarfi committee could stabilise the party and conduct a peaceful convention.

    Fayose explained that the meeting was part of efforts by the Southwest PDP to put its house in order.

    He said: “We want a united party. We encourage our chapters to have one list each for the national convention. The list will reflect representation of various groups in each chapter.”

  • Southwest CAN chief calls for peace in Osun

    The Chairman, Southwest Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade has called for reconciliation, peace and harmony between CAN and Muslim community in Osun State for development to be realised.

    Atilade, who gave the advice in a chat with Southwest Report in Lagos said all hands must be on deck so as to achieve peace in Osun State without which there would be no tangible development.

    The cleric praised the efforts of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in providing free food to all students in public schools, building of new schools, new roads and extension of new roads which are praiseworthy.

    He stressed that the church is not against the wearing of Hijab by Muslim girls because Catholic Rev. Sister wear it. He, however, said the school as an institution should promote uniformity which is why every school has a uniform to identify it.

    On all schools being public, he said: “The mission schools established by the missionaries and other private school proprietors were forcibly taken over by the state governments.

    “Ultimately our prayer is that the schools be returned to their original owners just as the former  Governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did in Lagos.

    “It is evident that no government can conveniently run public institutions. Why should government insist on taking over of schools?

    “All over the world, no government,  be it capitalists, socialists or communists, has the sole responsibility of providing education for its people,” he said.

    He lamented the non-payment of salaries by 28 state governments, saying it is pertinent for government to hand over mission schools to their original owners.

  • Southwest has endorsed zoning to North, says Kashamu

    Southwest has endorsed zoning to North, says Kashamu

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Senator Buruji Kashamu has said that the Southwest chapter has endorsed the zoning of the national chairmanship to the North.

    He also said the zone will back the chairmanship aspiration of the Acting Chairman, Senator Modu Sheriff, at the national convention.

    In a statement, the senator from Ogun East District said the Southwest PDP’s position is consistent with the position if the National Executive Committee (NEC).

    The zoning formula has created crisis in the party, with many chieftains from the region rejecting the zoning of the chairmanship to the North. They complained that it was unfair for the North to produce the chairman when the party has considered zoning the presidency to the region.

    The chieftains, including Chief Olabode George and Chief Ebenezer Babatope, have also condemned Sheriff’s aspiration to remain in office, recalling that he had promise to handover to a new helmsman at the convention.

    But, Kashamu maintained that there is no going back on the zoning arrangement, adding that it has received the blessing of the Southwest PDP.

    He said: “The NEC has endorsed our proposal that the position of the National Chairman should be retained in the North and the North-East in particular.

    “The NEC has also zoned the offices of the National Secretary, National Auditor and National Publicity Secretary to the South-West.

    “I wish to say that we would mobilise delegates from the Southwest to support the incumbent National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, to continue in office, if he indicates his interest in contesting for the position of the National Chairman at the May 21, 2016 National Convention, scheduled for Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    “I wish to say that, after consultations among the PDP Governors in the zone, NEC members, BoT members, NWC members, National Assembly members and other critical stakeholders, there will be another South-West PDP leaders’ meeting where the agreed zoning formula will be made public.”

    Kashamu added: “It is, therefore, incumbent on all interested aspirants and stakeholders to return to their various domains for consultations and come up with their policy statements and programmes on why they seek the offices they seek.”

    The politician said although he has been criticised for his proposals and actions, he will remain committed to the best interest of the party, the people of the Southwest and Nigeria.

  • Southwest PDP crisis persists

    Southwest PDP crisis persists

    The crisis rocking the Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has persisted, following the lack of agreement among the chieftains on zoning.

    The camp of Chief Bode George has alleged that the Buruji camp decided to compromise the interest of the zone because it has the backing of some elders, including Chief Shuaib Oyedokun.

    In a statement in Lagos by Prof. Tejumade Akintoye-Rholes on behalf of ‘Lagos Collectives,’ the group advised the elders to stand by principle and refrain from relegating the interest of Yoruba to the background.

    Akintoye Rhodes said: “In an untoward outburst, Chief Shuaibu Oyedokun denounced the majority of the Yoruba leadership that insisted on justice and equity in the zoning of the PDP chairmanship. It is rather bizarre and downright sickening when an elderly man who ought to know better has chosen to diminish and subvert the interest of his people because of selfish and narrow promptings.

    “We are shocked and confounded that Chief Oyedokun is turning against the larger interest of Yorubaland when our leader like Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Honorable Mulikat Akande and others are fighting relentlessly to ensure that the Yorubaland is not treated unfairly in the scheme of things.”

    He added: “In a way, we are not surprised with the antics of Chief  Oyedokun. His behaviour was  overtly manifested in the debacle in the Cross Rivers PDP primaries last year when the old man who supposed to be a neutral arbiter disappeared into the winds, leaving chaos in his wake. Former President Jonathan, a usually mild mannered man, was so incensed over the incident.

    “The old man is gleefully turning against the larger interest of our people.”

  • Southwest PDP reconciles, buries chairmanship aspiration

    Southwest PDP reconciles, buries chairmanship aspiration

    The Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factions yesterday resolved to end its differences over the party’s zoning arrangement and forge a common front at the proposed national convention billed for Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on May 21.

    The zonal body also resolved to share the four party positions zoned to the region between the two factions, led by Chief Olabode George and Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    Following the reconciliation between the two camps, George’s group agreed to step down its agitation for the national chairmanship and support the zoning of the topmost position to the North.

    There was anxiety in the PDP as members of the two camps held separate meetings at Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, and Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    The Ijebu-Igbo meeting convened by Fayose and Senator Buruji Kashamu (Ogun East) resolved to back the chairmanship aspiration of the Acting National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

    At the meeting, presided over by the zonal leader, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, were the National Auditor, Alhaji Fatai Adeyanju, former National Deputy Chairman Shuaib Oyedokun, Dr Olu Ogunye, Dr. Ade Dosunmu and Alhaji Afeez Gbolarunmi.

    Others are Yinka Taiwo, Amb Gunju Adesakin, Chief Abiodun Aluko, Ebenezer Alabi, Kola Balogun, Senator Clement Awoyelu, Alhaja Atinuke Oyawoye, Mrs. Grace Akinribide, Chief Semiu Kukoyi, Babatunde Gbadamosi, Ajibola Muraina, Chief Solomon Ogunjobi, Segun Adekoya, Segun Odebunmi, Chief Oluwole Aina, Chief Adekunle Alao, Mrs. Olabisi Salis and Dr. Ayo Olaoye.

    The Akure meeting was convened by Governor Olusegun Mimiko. At the meeting were George, former Transport and Aviation Minister Chief Ebenezer Babatope and former presidential aide, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

    However, Fayose, who was expected at Ijebu-Igbo, stormed the Akure meeting with a message of reconciliation. His presence, which came as a surprise, ultimately calmed the brewing tension.

    But the Fayose/Kashamu camp had an edge. While it insisted on the zoning of the chairmanship to the North and support for Sheriff’s bid, the Akure communiqué was silent on the zoning formula, which initially triggered the zoning crisis which had engulfed the party for a month.

    Kashamu said: “We will mobilise delegates from the Southwest to support Sheriff to continue in office, if he shows interest in contesting for the position at the May 21 national convention in Port-Harcourt.”

    The Akure communiqué, signed by 28 leaders, including Mimiko, Fayose, George, Okupe and others, avoided the vexed issue of zoning, merely emphasising the challenges facing the Yoruba in the PDP.

    In the spirit of reconciliation, the leaders resolved to set up a committee that will recommend the equitable distribution of party positions zoned to the region. The slots are the National Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, National Auditor and Zonal Executive Committee.

    Read by former Minister of Sports Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, the communiqué reads: “That the time is ripe for all PDP members in the Southwest to forge a common front and pursue a common agenda towards occupying their destined leadership position in Nigeria.

    “That despite the challenges confronting the PDP, the Southwest caucus has agreed to unite and confront the challenges that are facing the Yoruba in Nigeria.

    “PDP members have agreed to rise beyond personal interests to confront crucial national issues affecting us, especially the thriving menace of the Fulani herdsmen.

    “That the meeting notes with dismay the poor state of the national economy and feels terribly sad that the ruling party has not demonstrated the capacity to contain the economic challenges with attendant dwindling fortunes that has reversed almost all the economic gains recorded under the PDP.

     “The Southwest PDP wishes to put on record our dissatisfaction with the performance of the electoral body under the ruling party as all the elections the APC has so far superintended have ended as inconclusive!

    “That the PDP will not shy away from effectively playing the role of opposition. This role is crucial to democratic survival and the party shall continually make Nigerians look up to it as a credible alternative to the ruling party.

     “That this meeting notes the party posts zoned to the Southwest viz: National Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, National Auditor and Zonal Executive Committee. To this end, a structured Committee was set up to equitably distribute the positions amongst the six member states.

     “That we welcome former Governor Adewolu Rashidi Ladoja back to the fold of our party as evidenced by his representatives at this meeting.

    “That we resolve therefore to fully back and work for the re-invigoration of the PDP.

    “We the undersigned, on behalf of all PDP leaders of the South West fully subscribe to the above resolutions and recommendations today.”

    Welcoming the chieftains, Mimiko warned PDP leaders not to use their ambitions to destroy the party in the Southwest.

    The governor, who also called for unity among Yoruba leaders, urged his party leaders to be more concerned about the challenges facing the people in the region than fighting over party posts.

    His words:  “There are issues that are bigger than politics. The rates of attacks of herdsmen in this region call for concern and our people are watching the position that we will take whether our interest is in who becomes zonal publicity secretary or secretary in our party or we will unite to confront the monster in the Yoruba nation.

    “Our people are enlightened whether you like it or not they are watching. They are taking notes and at the appropriate time they will pronounce judgment on us

    “I think the mission for us in PDP now who incidentally today are not in the mainstream of politics in Nigeria which is new.

    “If we don’t show enough concern about the issue affecting the people now, there is no way people will have confidence in us through their vote as 2019 is around the corner.

    “Incidentally whether we like it or not, PDP is the alternative party in the country. If we mess it up, another party will come up. There is no doubt about it Nigerians are waiting. If we mess it up, a new party will emerge and become the darling of this country because this country is waiting”.

    Mimiko said the minor scuffle between him and Fayose had been resolved, but his Ekiti State counterpart quickly said:  “Mimiko and I have no scores to settle because the journalists here might turn the story upside down with screaming headline to sell their papers.

    “Even if we have issues, there is nothing to reconcile. We have no issues. I and Iroko are one and the same.

     “This party will not be hijacked by money bags, thugs. I won’t join anybody in the party to subvert the truth. Forget about messenger, but focus on the message. Nigeria is too big for an octogenarian. Even as a governor, I am finding it difficult.

    “I won’t do anything that will compromise the success of the party. There is nothing wrong with the PDP but some individuals who are running the party.  Mimiko and I want a united PDP.”

    Chieftains at the meeting include Iyiola Omisore, Ondo Deputy Governor Lasisi Oluboyo, Senator Adesewe Ogunlewe, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, Hon Mulikat Akande-Adeola, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, Chief Segun Adegoke, Jimi Agbaje, Jide Adeniji, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, Dr. Saka Balogun, Clement Faboyede, Joju Dadairo and Akogun Bisi Jinadu.

    Others were Bashi Awotorebo, Senator Adeseun Ayoade, Ojo Williams, Niyi Owolade Chief Folorunso Akintade, Gboyega Oguntuwase, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, Eddy Olafeso, Tunji Shelle, Segun Sowore and Senator Remi Okunrinboye.

    At Ijebu-Igbo, Ogundipe explained the zoning arrangement and the motivation for zoning the chairmanship to the North.  He said: “As it is now the PDP is not strong in the North; we need someone who can energise and reposition the party ahead of 2019. Before 2019, the party will hold mid-term convention where the presidential candidate will emerge and then the position of national chairman will come to the west”

    The zonal leader the said position of National Secretary zoned to the Southwest is very crucial because he controls the party secretariat. The members applauded the decision of the zoning committee.

    Ogundipe said the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) recognised only one zonal committee in the Southwest which is headed by him. According to him, “the national headquarters of our party will recognise the report of the meeting we are holding here in Ijebu Igbo today.

    Waving the olive branch, he said the decisions reached at Ijebu-Igbo and Akure will be harmonised by the zonal body.

    The communiqué of the Ijebu-Igbo meeting reads:  “That the PDP Southwest is one and indivisible family working for the actualisation of the dreams of the party as articulated in the vision of the founding fathers.

    “That the PDP Southwest appreciates and supports the political doggedness of our national chairman Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as he strives hard to rebuild our great party.

    “The meeting agreed that the Southwest as its presently operating is not playing and cannot play a second fiddle in view of what accrued to zone in the just concluded national zoning viz: National Secretary, National Auditor and National Publicity Secretary. To this end, the meeting enjoined every leader, youth and woman to support the party for a better share of the positions in the not too distant future.

    “The meeting agreed that what played out against our party in Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo states during the last elections would not be allowed to repeat itself in future elections. To this end, members must renew their loyalty and support for the PDP. The meeting called on members to vigorously pursue those things that will unite the party rather than divide it.

    Present at the meeting were, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, member of PDP Board of Trustees Yinka Taiwo, Oyo PDP Chairman Olu Ogunye, Ondo Chairman Gunju Adesakin, Chief Abiodun Aluko, former Ekiti Deputy Governor Ebenezer Alabi, former Ondo Chairman Kola Balogun, Senator C.K. Awoyelu; Chief J. Olabisi, Alhaja Atinuke Oyawoye; Mrs Grace Akinribide and Dr Ayo Olaoye.

    They also include Chief Solo Ogunjoli, Chief Semiu Kukoyi, Chief Jide Damazio, Babatunde Gbadamosi, Ajibola Muraina, Segun Adekoya and Segun Odebunmi, former House of Representatives members Mrs Olabisi Salisi, Chief Oluwole Aina, Chief Adekunle Alao and Chief Lere Oyewunmi.