Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have kicked against the composition of the reconciliation committee inaugurated by the State Chairman, Hon Babatunde Kolawole, following the emergence of the party’s candidates.
The elders under the auspices of PBAT Elders Forum said the nomination of Prince Biyi Poroye, the Chairman of Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), as the leader of the reconciliation committee has defeated the purpose of the committee.
Addressing reporters at the end of the meeting of the group in Akure, the state capital, the Chairman of the PBAT Elders Forum, Chief Demola Ijabiyi, said the efforts of the reconciliation committee are an exercise in futility.
According to him, “We are not aware of the Reconciliation Committee. We read about it in the news. We don’t know how far it has gone or how far it has progressed. But if we are going to reconcile, we cannot force a partisan person to come and reconcile.”
His words: “Somebody who has an interest. I know that Prince Poroye is the Chairman of OSOPADEC and the current Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee. He is a government apologist, so he is an interested party. But beyond that, we have not seen him make any move to reach out to us or those of us who are on the other side of the divide. We are waiting for him. We don’t see how he will exercise that responsibility, but if he takes any position, we will know those things. He is part of the government.”
Also, Ijabiyi said the elders of the party have the responsibility of ensuring that governments at the state and local government levels are operating in line with the aspirations and welfare of our citizens.
Ijabiyi said the elders of the party have the responsibility of ensuring victory for the party as they approach crucial elections that will shape the future of the state and country, since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already announced the timetable for the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
The APC leaders said the party must get its strategy and direction right. To achieve this, Ijabiyi said the party must place appropriate responsibility on the key stakeholders in the coming elections.
These key stakeholders who have the responsibility of ensuring victory for the party, Ijabiyi said, included three Ministers, National Assembly candidates, and the President’s trusted allies
The octogenarian leader of the party said Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as the leader of the party in the state, cannot be trusted with the handling of the campaign and reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ijabiyi said, “We have genuine concerns regarding both the intensity and the visibility of that commitment. First, the Governor is not a candidate in this election. We therefore cannot expect him to demonstrate a greater sense of urgency than those who are directly seeking the mandate of the people.
“Second, we have carefully observed the Governor’s various attempts to mobilize support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Unfortunately, these efforts have amounted largely to announcements without corresponding political impact.
“He has unveiled several support groups with considerable fanfare, only for them to fizzle out almost immediately after their launch. His Governor’s Advisory Council has remained largely dormant and ineffective, while his visible public engagement and leadership on the forthcoming elections have been strikingly inadequate.
“At a time when strong coordination, sustained grassroots mobilization and energetic political leadership are required, the level of commitment and effectiveness demonstrated so far by him has fallen far short of expectations.
“It is no secret that the Governor is dissatisfied with the non-emergence of many of his preferred candidates for the National Assembly and with the reduction of his influence in the emergence of some State House of Assembly candidates.
“Recently, many party faithful were disturbed by reports and photographs showing the Governor hosting a prominent opposition senatorial candidate and allowing such images to enter the public domain.
“Whatever the circumstances, such actions create unnecessary doubts about commitment and loyalty at a time when party unity and discipline are paramount.
“The most critical arena of political mobilization remains the grassroots. That is where the voters are. Those who should play the leading role at that level are the local government chairmen and councillors. Fortunately, our party controls all 18 local government councils in Ondo State.
“We are concerned by allegations that these councils are being financially constrained. We understand that their funds remain under the effective control of the state government despite the constitutional and judicial direction toward local government autonomy.
“We therefore urge the Governor to allow the full and unhindered operation of local government autonomy. More than ever before, we need our councils to function maximally, deliver dividends of democracy, and connect government directly with the people.”
The APC leaders said the Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has emerged as one of the strongest promoters of the party’s political perception among many in the state, saying a growing popular sentiment suggests that he has become a major factor in sustaining the image and appeal of the party in the state.
