The newly constituted caretaker committee for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti state has threatened severe consequences going forward for leaders and members of the party engaging in dealings with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other anti-party activities in the state.
The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Dare Adeleke stated this at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital during an enlarged stakeholders meeting comprising former governors, former Deputy Governors, former members of the National Assembly and other leaders of the party from the 16 local government areas of the state.
However, the former Governor of the State and leader of the party, Ayodele Fayose and members of his Osoko Political Assembly were conspicuously absent from the meeting. No reason was given for their absence.
The Fayose group had last week protested against the constitution of the caretaker committee with none of his loyalists included among the 21-member committee.
Adeleke, who emphasized the need for discipline among members, added that speaking against the party both in private and public places constitutes anti-party activities and would no longer be tolerated, saying, “this and other negative behaviours against the party shall be thoroughly sanctioned without delay. Please be advised.”
According to him, “I appreciate all the leaders and members of the different groups in Ekiti PDP for their steadfastness and the visibility provided for the party through their various groupings. Thank you for your efforts.
“However, starting from today and as part of our standard declarations to instil further discipline across the board, to achieve lasting peace within the party, all public displays of groupings must end forthwith.
“The Caretaker Committee shall frown seriously and sanction anyone who is publicly using any group to create distractions within the party. Please don’t be a victim of sanctions from the party. Up until now, you have all done well through the various groups, and you have all assisted the party in one way or the other. But it is time to sit up and do the work.
“From today, Ekiti PDP is one, and so shall it remain. I was appointed here to get results for the party, and hence, the CTC won’t tolerate any inappropriate behaviour from any individuals, groups, or associations.”
He however appealed to members to be united, saying “there is no other choice for us than to unite and be whole again, I hereby appeal to all leaders and stakeholders to preach and act forgiveness to one another, and in unison, we shall succeed.”
Meanwhile, various leaders who spoke at the meeting, including the former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Senator Duro Faseyi, and former state Chairmen of the party, among others, pledged their total support for the Caretaker Committee.
They urged the committee not to listen or take directives from anyone in the discharge of their duties, asking them to provide a level playing field for every member of the party and also give members the formula to revive the party.
