A former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kogi state, Hon. Dayo Akanmode, has called on party stakeholders to emulate Governor Usman Ododo’s style of leadership and embrace politics of inclusion.
Addressing critical stakeholders of the party at a meeting in his Ayetoro Gbede Ward 2 of Ijumu local government area at the weekend, Hon. Akanmode emphasized the need for all members to put up a common front ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
He explained that the meeting was convened to uplift the party in the ward and chart a way forward.
He expressed concern about the situation in the ward, orchestrated by a few leaders, and called for a rethink. Other stakeholders present shared their reservations and called for a new order.
Hon Akanmode, a former Vice Chairman of Ijumu LGA, urged the stakeholders, comprising party executives and other leaders, to embrace the Renewed Hope mantra of the party which is aimed at creating a sense of belonging, inclusion and shared ideology.
He urged stakeholders to unite for the sake of the people who look up to them and do away with divisive tendencies.
“It is no longer news that, in recent years, the ward has been plagued by disunity, and the principle of team spirit and cohesion has become elusive. Efforts to correct this anomaly have been frustrated by power struggles, favouritism, and disregard for critical stakeholders. These negative dispositions have affected the party’s fortunes. Unless these issues are addressed, the party will continue to struggle in the ward, where the opposition is strong.
“It is pertinent for concerned stakeholders to meet and consciously reshape the party to promote its activities, taking the good agenda as put up by the people’s governor, His Excellency, Gov. Usman Ododo whose effort in laying the foundation of inclusion for all and sundry irrespective of religion, tribe or status is almost second to none, and for sure, highly commendable.
“It is no longer news that in the last few years, the APC Ayetoro Ward 2 couldn’t disassociate itself from the statement of a renowned writer, Chinua Achebe who said ‘the center can no longer hold’. It is quite unfortunate that the principle of checks and balancing is no longer at play as all efforts to correct infractions, character assassination, mischief, deceit, divide-and-rule, inciteful attitude among other avarice has been splitting the party.
“It is popularly and morally said that two wrongs don’t make a right, reason this issue has not been laid to rest through same wrong approach. Majority who believe in the agenda of inclusion, dialogue, collective and purposeful decision as presently promoted by Gov. Usman Ododo agree that it will only do the party more good than harm if an atmosphere of robust interaction and engagement is created for all party members to deliberate on issue-based than any singular person to insist that party meetings which are supposed to be holding at the Ward party secretariat is cornered to a private venue which may not be conducive for those who might want to join the great party, APC,” he said.
Considering the political peculiarity of Ayetoro Gbede, the stakeholders agreed that henceforth, all party meetings should be held at the APC Secretariat in the ward.
They also agreed that henceforth, stakeholders in each polling unit shall be involved in any decision making and act in one voice.
Also, dividends of party activities like palliative shall be deliberated upon by all stakeholders and be distributed at the party secretariat.
Prince Akanmode thanked party members for their patience and promised a brighter future. He commended Governor Ododo for his reconciliatory moves across party lines, promoting inclusion and a sense of belonging.
