In a bid to strengthen the ruling People’s Democratic Party in Osun State and make all members have sense of belonging, the state governor, Ademola Adeleke has met with top elders of the party and promised “a new PDP where all members have a sense of belonging for collective success.”
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Thursday, disclosed that top elders of the party including former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Shuaib Oyedokun; former National Secretary of the party and former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the 1999 governorship candidate of the PDP in Osun State and third republic Senator, Oluwole Alabi, were present at the series of strategic meetings held on Tuesday night.
Rasheed said members of the party’s Board of Trustees, the state Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi; Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye; South West Zonal Vice Chairman nominee, Kamar Ajisafe, State chairman of the party, Sunday Bisi and other critical leaders of government and the party were at the meetings.
At the meetings, the statement noted that, “in a dramatic move, top elders of Osun People’s Democratic Party and members of the party’s Board of Trustees have commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his concerted delivery of good governance and democratic dividends in the last one year.
“Former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun; former National Secretary of the party and former Governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the 1999 governorship candidate of the PDP in Osun state and third republic Senator, Dr Oluwole Alabi, all described the Governor’s performance as outstanding, sterling and calling for unconditional rapprochement within the party for a more entrenched hold on the state.”
It further read, “In a series of strategic meetings Tuesday night ahead of an upcoming stakeholders’ meeting , Governor Adeleke was accompanied by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi; Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye; South West Zonal Vice Chairman nominee, Kamar Ajisafe, State chairman of the party, Sunday Bisi and other critical leaders of government and the party.
“Former Governor Oyinlola who affirmed his faith in PDP as an elder of the party said he is proud of Governor Adeleke’s approach to governance as well as his remarkable records of service delivery since assuming office.
“Mr Governor, we are proud of you. You represent us and the party well. Reports from the streets speak volumes of your good performance”, the prince of Okukuland affirmed.
PDP elder, Alabi who will clock 80 years in March said the Governor has proved naysayers wrong by his spectacular delivery across the sectors in the last 12 months.
“Let me be frank. I misjudged you. You proved to me and others that you are up to the task, that you know your onions, that you understand the needs of our people and you can deliver democratic dividends.
“I follow your activities closely. I can confirm that you are performing. Politics apart, you are Mr Performer people are calling you. Your records have rebranded the PDP. Our task is to now close ranks and provide full party backing for your grade A governance”, Alabi posited.
“In his frank remarks, the former National Deputy Chairman of the party, Alhaji Oyedokun said Governor Adeleke has discharged his mandate in the best interest of the people, explaining that “ we cannot deny your great performance. On the streets, your positive hands are noticeable.
“As a long time political actor and as an elder of note locally and nationally, I affirm that you have given the party good records to campaign on. People are thrilled by your person, your brand.
“You dance to deliver democratic dividends. You praise the Lord as you upgrade infrastructure and take care of workers’ welfare. What we need next is to close our ranks and unite behind your government as a true peoples’ government”, Chief Oyedokun who just lost his wife noted.
“Governor Adeleke at the strategic meeting appreciated the party elders for their positive review of his administration ,noting that those kind words coming from the caliber of such leaders further encouraged him to do more.
“I thank our elders for these kind words. Whatever success we have recorded is by God’s grace and peoples’ support. I am encouraged to devote my time to continue to serve the people.
“I am committed to further open the doors of government and party to all party members. We seek the Governorship and God granted our prayers. So the past is gone, the present and the future are the focus. I value all party members, especially our elders. We will do all that is necessary to ensure an inclusive government committed to public service.
“I trust our party chairman, Hon Bisi, will do the needful. To all party men and women, be rest assured that as we raise the profile of the party, we will ensure a new PDP where all members have a sense of belonging for collective success,” the Governor noted.
