*** The party suspends the party’s former president, four more, indefinitely
*** Dissolves the state board for elders
*** Our suspension is working, it will ignite a series of reactions – Fadak
By Dayo Johnson – Akure
The struggle over the soul of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the southwest between former Ekiti Gov. Ayodela Fayosa and Oyo Gov. Seyi Makinda has torn apart the Ondo party chapter in the state.
A statement by Secretary of State for Promotion Kennedy Peretei announced the unlimited suspension of former Hon party president. Ebenezer Alabi; former party secretary of state, chief Oyedele Ibini; former Member of the National Assembly, Hon. Lad Ojomo; former zone secretary for party promotion in the southwest, g. Ayo Fadaka; and a minority leader in a member of the National Assembly, Hon Rasheed Elegbeleye.
While members of the executive branch and another leader set up their tents with Governor Makinde, other leaders, especially members of the National and State Assemblies, sided with former Governor Fayose.
Recall that all the suspects followed two senators who served, Nicholas Tofowomo and Ayo Akinyelure, to visit former Governor Fayose in Lagos last weekend and vote of confidence and condemn what they described as Governor Makinda’s self-serving stance.
However, the party leadership failed to suspend the two senators who led the delegation to visit Fayose at his residence in Ikea, Lagos state.
However, she renounced the aforementioned delegation that visited Governor Fayose and described them as cheaters “which does not represent the opinions of our supporters of unification in the state”.
In a published statement, Peretei said; “Pursuant to Article 58 (1) (a) (b) (f) and (h) of the Constitution of the People’s Democratic Party (2017, as amended), the persons listed below have been suspended indefinitely from the party for anti-party activities and gross misconduct: Chief Oyedele Ibini, Your Honors. Lad Ojomo, g. Ayo Fadaka, Your Honor. Rasheed Elegbeleye and Hon. Ebenezer Alabi.
“It is expected that this decision will stop parading as party members. All party bodies must take this into account.
“They were suspended until the outcome of the report of the State Disciplinary Board.”
“In another development, the State Working Committee dissolved the State Committee for Elders. In accordance with the provisions of our constitution (2017 with amendments), another State Committee for Elders will be constituted over time.
“We also want to note that the PDP State Executive Committee in the state of Ondo has not sent any delegation anywhere to represent the Party. Whoever claims the right to such, is self-proclaimed and does not represent the opinions of our supporters of association in the state.
Reacting, the suspended former party zonal secretary for propaganda, Ayo Fadaka, said that “the State Working Commission was drawn to my attention by the alleged suspension of me and four other Party leaders.
“They have not identified any reason other than the common feature of anti-party activities as the basis for this step. It actually amuses me because my suspicion of inadequate capacity to manage our large party has just been confirmed.
“The suspension works and I assure you that this action will provoke a series of reactions.”
Recall that at a meeting with Governor Fayose, a delegation led by two senators adopted a former commissioner in the state of Ondo, Dr. Eddy Olafes, for the position of National Vice President (Southwest) ahead of the party’s zone congress in January 2021.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Senator Tofowomo said the Ondo State PDP would not sacrifice the party’s national vice president’s position for the usual ex-officio, saying Olafeso would be reinstated as zone chairman, as would other candidates presented by the Fayose group.
That’s what he said; “Governor Makinda must immediately understand that the state of Ondo is independent of the state of Oyo and that it is not tied to anyone’s apron. His leadership style is not unifying and building the PDP in the Southwest and he needs to start leading by example.
“We believe in the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Ayo Fayose for his exemplary qualities, dedication and vision in the development of the party and we would like to thank His Excellency Dr. Fayose in support of the State of Ondo by supporting the original formula provided by the National Vice President and Zonal Secretary for the Promotion of the State of Ondo. “
Responding to Fayose, he said he remained steadfast and loyal to the PDP, adding that only those in Governor Makinda’s group insinuated that he was working for the ruling APC.
“I will not hesitate to respond appropriately if Governor Makinda continues to negotiate on political issues.
“Makinde has the choice and breadth to remain trapped by his court pranksters and the numerous swindlers around him, but he must be careful not to attack anymore,” he said.
In addition to Senator Tofowomo, other prominent leaders at the meeting with Fayose include: former party chairman Hon Ebenezer Alabi, who represented senator representing Ondo Central, Ayo Akinyelure, former PDP Secretary of State in Ondo State, chief Ibini Oyedele, former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon Lad Ojomo, Dr Eddy Olafeso, Hon Rasheed Elegbeleye, Hon Festus Akingbaso, Chief Tunde Akindehin, Hon Saka Lawal, Hon Idowu Ogunmade, Hon Niyi Ogungbuji, Hon. Ayo Fadaka, among others.
Vanguard News Nigeria