PDP: Fayose Loyalists Resolve To Work With Arapaja
Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, met with his loyalists, today, in Lagos and resolved to work with the Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja-led zonal Exco of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to strengthen and make the party more formidable on the South-West.
According to a release by Lere Olayinka, the loyalists, drawn from the six states in the South-West zone restated their commitment to peace and unity in the party, urging stakeholders in the other group to show similar commitment.
“As committed stakeholders in the PDP, we have done what should be done after the congress by congratulating Ambassador Arapaja and extending hands of fellowship to him.
“To us, despite the flaws, we have accepted results of the congress and the onus is now on the other side to reciprocate our gesture.
“However, it is imperative that we point out to the party leadership the ignoble role of the Congress Committee Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who did not hid the fact that he was in the committee to do his usual hatchet job.
“We condemn Senator Samuel Anyanwu for his clear display of bias during the congress. But for the honesty, sincerity and steadfastness of the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr. Benson Abounu, who acted as the Congress Committee Chairman on behalf Governor Samuel Ortom, the whole process would have been so crudely manipulated by Anyanwu.
“It is on record that twice, Senator. Anyanwu added 10 votes to those of the eventual winner and it took the vigilance of those at the hall to correct him while counting the ballots for the chairmanship election.
“Consequently, we call on the party to blacklist him (Anyanwu) and desist from involving him in sensitive assignments, especially congresses.
“We also appreciate former Governor Fayose for his commitment and doggedness and urge him not to relent in his sacrifices for the peace and unity of the party,” the release stated.
Speaking at the meeting, Fayose commended the stakeholders, saying he was surprised that despite the outcome of the congress, they have remained resolute in their support for the party.
“I am humbled by your coming here today, not minding what happened, last week Monday, in Osogbo. Your display of total commitment to the party is well appreciated and we will continue to do what is expected of us as leaders, in the over all interest of the party,” Fayose said.
The meeting had in attendance the chairmen of the party in Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos and Osun states, Otunba Bisi Kolawole, Dr. Sikirulai Ogundele, Engr Adedeji Doherty and Hon Sunday Bisi, respectively.
Others included Dr Eddy Olafeso, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan, Engr Femi Babalola, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, Prince Diran Odeyemi, Hon Saka Lawal, Chief Tunde Akindehin, Dr Lad Ojomo, Barrister (Mrs) Abimbola Lanre-Balogun and Hon Boye Adesina.
Also on attendance were Hon Daisi Akintan, Hon Wahab Owokoniran, Hon Sunday Olaifa, Lanre Omolase, Mrs Funmilayo Ogun, Hon Okunlade Michael, Hon Ashipa Ismael, Ambassador Makinde Dada Akinlabi, Deacon Anthony Edwards and Rufus Adeniyi, among others.
