It was another milestone in the history of the PDP in the sunshine state on Monday as the erstwhile PDP governor, HE, Dr Olusegun Mimiko popularly called Iroko met with PDP stakeholders and leaders across the state to discuss the future of the party vis-Ã -vis rescuing the nation now heading into the swallows under the tyrannical leader,President Muhammadu Buhari and his ruling-APC across Nigeria.
While welcoming the PDP stakeholders ,the State Chairman of the party ,Alh. Fatai Adams Adekanye who also is a former MHA and two-term Vice-Chairman under Hon. Ebenezer Alabi and Engr Clement Faboyede (Faboo) as State Chairmen officially welcomed the party stalwarts who are members of the State Executive Committee(SEC), PDP Chairmen and leaders from the eighteen (18) LGAs and a few leaders who decamped from the Z-labour Party. He went further to abreast them of the present situation of things in the party having thoroughly informed them that the crucial meeting was called at the instance of the former governor.
Fatai went further to paint the ugly scenarios in the party that led to the defeat of the PDP by the PDP in Akure North /Akure South Federal Constituency, the strongest foothold of the party in the sunshine state. He maintained that PDP lost to PDP because of internal rancour that was very unfortunate but avoidable. He stressed further that the party critical stakeholders must close ranks, forgive themselves and embrace peace ,love and unity as unspeakable cohesion and cooperation are required to rescue the party members and other disillusioned citizens from the claws of tyranny. He thereafter appreciated all that had previously paid their party dues or supported in kind the day-to-day business of the party while also stressing the need for the stakeholders to continue to invest in the party.
Adams however pointedly stressed," There is no love loss between our highly revered former governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and our party candidate, Eyitayo Jegede,SAN. They are good brothers and fine democrats. Yes ,I intentionally mention the array of distinguished leaders that are unavoidably absent from this meeting for you all and our detractors to know that we are in good harmony. Dr Tayo Dairo, the Chairman of Elders' Council is at the meeting in Abuja as we speak as a member of National Zoning Committee. This is so for others except few ones not present here now on health grounds. We are intact, and we appreciate you all for honouring us with your presence. "
The two-term Executive Governor of the state now a national leader of the PDP, HE, Dr Olusegun Rahman Mimiko appreciated the leaders and critical stakeholders for honouring him with their presence. He was extremely nostalgic and quick to reveal that the meeting for him was a great reunion. He was pretty emphatic when he stressed the need for the PDP especially in the state to embrace peace, brace up and close ranks to rescue Nigeria now in the aqua of economic woes , political turmoils ,already fast becoming a theatre of war and a hotbed of mindless crimes.
" I call this meeting to clear air on the purported rumours wickedly peddled by idle hands. I came back from Z-Labour Party to the PDP for two critical reasons. First is my interaction with other political gladiators who seriously want my support on a broader scope. The other is to join forces with the other concerned statesmen and critical stakeholders in PDP to rescue Nigeria. The PDP is the leading opposition party that shows shoulder high above all other political parties in rescuing the nation at the moment." He stressed further, " The tale of woes that currently betide the nation is a paradox. Nigeria is now a shadow and caricature of herself. Nigerians irrespective of their status and backgrounds are now wallowing in abject poverty and squalor with untainted expression of inadequacies and total lack in most circumstances conspicuously amplified by harrowing songs of lamentations . To us, this may not be too serious a predicament, but to the masses and the downtrodden outside there who have already lost hope in the country, it's a different thing entirely."
"In our DNA, it's like, as citizens, we have uncommon capacity to withstand suffering even when hope is fading gradually and regrettably. This is very heartbreaking! A great responsibility is on our shoulders as family to help in the rescue mission as the hapless citizens currently locked in penury and utter confusion look up to us as their only rescuers capable of lifting off their heads and shoulders the yoke of excruciating pains deliberately placed by the tyrants and cynics now in power . The EndSARS is a window of opportunity to open our eyes to the mindless inhumanity of man to man in the foundation of our dear nation but selfishly and wickedly amplified by the social lepers and political anathemas who are now the unfortunate occupants of the corridors of power at all levels. I charge you all to pursue unity so as to help rescue the nation now in the woods. Otherwise ,our generation shall be cursed by the incoming ones"
Mimiko cleared the air on the purported dissolution of the party structures. He said emphatically that it was a figment of imagination of his detractors. " I have learnt from my past experience as a governor. I regret some of my actions and inactions. However ,at those instances of critical decision making ,we made our decisions based on available information at our disposal. I'm mortal, and should not be expected to be infallible. I know my decisions favoured some and created gulfs between me and others. I take responsibility for all my inadequacies. Therefore, I tender my unreserved apology to all I may have offended here and outside here in the past to please forgive me wholeheartedly. I also wish to inform you all that I have sincerely forgiven all that equally have offended me. I told Gov. Seyi Makinde on my return that I want zero percent (0℅) of the party structure. This is my utmost price for this apology to all PDP members ."
" I'm pretty worried while LP and PDP that often came first and second in previous elections suddenly became a loser after merger . I realized pretty late and painfully too that the merger was not properly managed. Even now, the echoes of the disturbing Konigba/Gbasibe dichotomy is still audible. The open wounds due to our errors have not properly healed ;and this and other reasons have caused the dwindling electoral fortunes in the PDP."
On the forthcoming general election, the former governor has this to say," We must be very strategic. We are in opposition. I appreciate consensus, and I did it throughout my regime as a governor. It creates little bitterness as it avoids wastage ,and its fall-out is easy to manage. I often compensated those not favoured by the process with political appointment then. However,as we are not in government now,let us pursue it with confidence and integrity, but we must be open ,just and considerate in the process. Where not feasible, let us conduct free, fair and credible primaries. The most important thing is that we all need popular, sellable and worthy candidates that shall be acceptable to all if we must win elections as a party. Consensus can only be pursued by trusted leadership. Let this be our watchword."
Iroko talking from avalanche of experience advised that the election of Members ,House of Assembly must be pursued strategically as opposition party while emphasizing that it's fundamental the financial contributions of critical stakeholders to the funding of the party. He however maintained that the expenditure of the fund should follow due process, accountability and transparency.
Finally, Mimiko challenged Alh. Fatai Adams to continue to run more open and all-inclusive administration and should accommodate all Z-Labour Party members who defected with him to end his speech. " I decided to give peace a chance,so are my followers. We are not fools but party men and women in Z-LP .We relinquished our positions and interests to be here. This is the token of our sacrifice to rescue Nigeria. Mr Chairman Sir, be fair; I repeat ,be fair to all especially the members of Z-LP who came with me. I can always get whatever I want in the party but they cannot. If you're fair to all and seen to be fair sincerely,it will be for the greater good and interest of all and the PDP in particular. I thank you all."
Abejoye Media gathered from impeccable sources within the party that the meeting was called to disband the unfounded rumour making rounds that Mimiko has come back to pocket the party . This notion was refuted by Iroko vehemently when he declared," Many of you call me Maradona, even that I dribble so much politically. This is not true. I always respect agreement and honour people by their words ,but if you have one with me and renege then we shall start playing politics for ourselves. I have never betrayed anyone except those who deliberately played politics with me , and openly took me for a fool."
Other political bigshots that spoke during the quality and historic interface were Hon. Ebenezer Alabi ( Ondo Central) who hailed Mimiko for not touching the structure of the party considering what he witnessed as the State Chairman during the Konigba/Gbasiba impasse. He thereafter said Mimiko had won his heart. Dr Gbakiro ( Babalowo) ( Ondo South) revealed that it was heartwarming that the former governor realized that mistakes were made but went ahead to salute his courage to eat the humble pie. Hon. (Prince) Alaba-Lad Ojomo ( Ondo North) noted that the challenges of unhealthy partitions caused by the Gbasibe/Konigba diatribe required a political surgical operation as a panacea so as to insulate the party from being consumed considering the new rivalries now brewing in the party. He said for the party to return to limelight and reclaim her lost glories that all hands must be on deck. He then submitted," For us in Owo LGA, we shall ensure popular, sellable and generally-acceptable candidates emerge for all elective offices "
On behalf of the womenfolks, Mrs Adu appreciated the leaders for the stakeholders' meeting called in the nick of time while praising Iroko for the initiative and his courage. She stressed that women should be given adequate priority to interfere where necessary as the engine rooms of the families that control the conscience of the electorates. However, Hon. Akinlaja, (Inanjo) , former MHR and the erstwhile Chairman of Z-Labour Party on his part appreciated the meaningful contributions of the PDP stakeholders and the peaceful atmosphere in the meeting. He stressed that regular meeting is required in addition to united force to dismantle the ruling APC without mortars and tanks.
The communique issued by Hon . peretei ,the State Publicity Secretary reads as follows:
March 28, 2022
PRESS STATEMENT
*COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE MEETING OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY ON MARCH 28, 2022*
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its stakeholders' meeting held on Monday, 28th March, 2022 at the Party's State Secretariat, Alagbaka Akure deliberated on recent developments within the Party, Ondo State and the country at large.
The party observed that Nigeria had been driven to the precipice by the APC and that it is only a united, strong and forward-looking PDP that can rescue and rebuild Nigeria. To so do, the party recommends among others that:
1. That the party should leverage on its strength and the influx of new members to reconfigure itself and reorganize for unity and collective progress.
2. That the party should work beyond fissures and cleavages and organize as one, towards rebuilding and reclaiming Ondo State and Nigeria from the underperforming APC.
3. That all leaders should mobilize from the unit, ward and local government area levels towards the victory of the party in subsequent elections.
4. That the State Executive Committee should create level playing grounds for all irrespective of their length of time of membership.
5. And that members should subscribe according to their capacities by making human and material contributions for the growth and upliftment of the party.
The stakeholders' meeting which was chaired by the Chairman, PDP, Ondo State, Hon Fatai Adams had Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Agboola Ajayi, esteemed party leaders, former State Chairmen of the party, Hon Ebenezer Alabi and Hon Engr Clement Faboyede, Member of the National Assembly, Hon Kolade Akinjo, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Jumoke Akindele and current members of the State Assembly, State Executive Committee members of the party as well as select leaders from the 18 Local Government Areas among many other leaders in attendance.
