Lagos PDP 'll Outlive Detractors - Ojikutu
By Ndubuisi Ugah and Oke Epia
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Aderoju Ojikutu has said despite the crisis that engulfed the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party will still remain as one big family.
Ojikutu, who spoke to our reporters, said rather than the crisis creating any crack in terms of leadership structure and followership, the members would continue to work in one accord.
"Let me tell you, what ever that is happening now only potray one fact and that is, nobody would come in between the success or otherwise of our party", she stated.
The former deputy governor, who was speaking against the backdrop of the various problems currently rocking the party, noted that the Elders of the party had decided to inform the public about the unfolding developments in the party with a view to seeking ways to resolving it.
She explained that what the trio of National Vice Chairman, South-west of the Party, Chief Olabode George, Works Minister, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and, the party's State Chairman, Alhaji Murtala Ashorobi have subjected the party to was unimaginable thus necessitating an urgent mediation by the national leadership of the party.
"It is only Olabode George, Ogunlewe and Ashorobi that know what they want to do with the party. But I tell you, the party still remains as one big family. I don't know how they intend achieving results when they know that we all started this journey together", Ojikutu declared.
It would be recalled that the Elders of the party in Lagos state met recently where former Minister of Integration and Cooperation, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu said "the triumvirate also institutionalized physical abuse and unconstitutional suspension of members with dissenting voices in the party".
The Elders Committee, including Ogunkelu also had former Minister of Special Duties, Mr. Yomi Edu; Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun; Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele; Alhaja 'Deroju Ojikutu; Chief Dele Idowu; Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Oshodi; Dr. Adesola Taiwo and Alhaji Jide Oni.
Others include Otunba M.A. Taiwo; Chief (Mrs) Bewaji Kuku; Chief (Mrs) Kofo Laja-Odugbesan; Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya and Mr. Dotun Adegbola.
Citing the case of the alleged expulsion of Senator Anthony Adefuye, Ogunkelu maintained that the purported expulsion was unjust and unconstitutional bearing in mind that Adefule was a well respected pillar of the party who had variously contributed to its growth.
"In particular, we refer to the expulsion from the party of Senator Anthony Adefuye, who is one of the pillars of the party in the state. We hereby repudiate this action with all emphasis at our disposal and reject the expulsion", he declared.
He expressed regret that the public have been inundated with false reports that the disciplinary actions handed down to Adefuye had been ratified by the national leadership of the party, describing such reports as hogwash.
There had been media reports credited to Mr. Femi Anibaba, Secretary of the state chapter of the party, that the PDP NWC had ratified the expulsion of Adefuye from the party.
"As responsible members, all grievances and issues relating to the conduct of affairs of the party should be directed to the appropriate authority within the party for resolution instead of taking unilateral position which could be inimical to the collective interest of the party", Anibaba had said in his statement.
Noting that the activities of the triumvirate have not only done untold damage to the party's strategic position in Lagos state, Ogunkelu pointed out that the actions of the trio has "also fractured the delicate balance of peace and tranquility achieved by Unity Congress of November, 2001 which ushered into office the current state Executive Committee led by Alhaji Murtala M. Ashorobi".
The former minister stressed that the Elders of the party found it necessary to call on the leadership of the party at the national level to expedite action in evolving lasting solution to the Lagos state PDP crisis with a view to allow its members work together and develop as a friendly and happy family which would help it position itself to win elections in the future.
While expressing gratitude to PDP members and teeming supporters in the state, Ogunkelu urged them "to remain calm despite the provocation and unpleasantness which the current state executive committee under the leadership of Alhaji Ashorobi has unleashed on them".
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