OGUN PDP ON THE THRESHOLD OF ALL-INCLUSIVE PARTICIPATION

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun state, under the leadership of Engr. Adebayo Dayo, yesterday took another giant leap towards its renewed determination to forge a united and progressive party that is strong and capable of reclaiming the reins of governance come 2019.

This is the outcome of the leaders and stakeholders consultative meeting that held today in Ijebu-Igbo and had in attendance, top leaders of the party including serving and former members of the national assembly, all the State House of Assembly members, National officers and Zonal officers of the party.

It must be recalled that the current leadership of the party at its expanded executive committee meeting held on 19th October 2016, resolved that every organ must work assiduously for the progress of the party and all that is needed to achieve this objective will be vigorously pursued. Today's event is therefore one of the reforms and building blocks of a re-energised Ogun PDP. Engr. Adebayo Dayo in his welcome address praised the quality of people that attended the meeting.

He highlighted the chief objective of the meeting as the need to have a party that is collectively administered by everyone devoid of the control of a few persons or one person; especially in the areas of policy formulation and funding.

A pyramid structure was laid for the party where the roles of every organ of the party was clearly spelt out and requisite funding attached to their mandates culminating in a comprehensive monthly budget for the smooth and effective running of the party. The Elders Council, State Executive Committee, Senatorial executives, the Local Government & Ward executives and the State caucus clearly have their work cut out form them in the new dispensation.

The Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Prince Buruji Kashamu who also doubles as the financier and mobiliser of the party in Ogun and the entire southwest gave a heart-warming address. Senator Kashamu identified the need to return the party to its state of collective administration both in policy and funding. He decried the situation where detractors accuse him of doing a one man show with the party.

The senator recognised that the party belongs to the people and he is only a passionate member, which informed his decision to spend his personal resources to enhance its development.
Senator Kashamu further encouraged everyone to see the party henceforth as their own, where decisions and funding will be by all. That way, every loyal party faithful who puts his/her dime in the party coffers can legitimately contribute to decisions of the party without fear or intimidation.

In the light of all the above, the party took a decision to let every leader, party officials, public office holders and every lover of the part – make a monthly contribution to the global monthly budget of the party. All the leaders unanimously agreed to the new model and call to responsible participation by immediately pledging their monthly subscription; with Senator Kashamu leading the way with a pledge to meet a substantial percentage of the monthly outlay.

Consequently, a committee was formed to oversee the inflow and outflow of the fund such that it will be well accounted, receipted, monitored and utilised; in conjunction with the State Executive. Chief Fohun Abiola was appointed the Chairman of the ad-hoc finance committee, other members of the committee were Hon. Rasak Odunfa, Hon.Semiu Oganla, Mrs.Wusu Funke ,Hon. Moroof Ajisegiri, Otunba Tola Odulaja, Mr. Rasak Oduntan, Mrs.Lola Bonojo and Alhaji Olaifa Jimoh. Chief Abiola in his acceptance address, promised to work hard in the assignment alongside other members.

Several leaders of the party in their individual remarks commended the new initiatives of the Engr. Adebayo Dayo -led executive. Leaders also reserved huge commendation to Senator Prince Buruji Kashamu for his liberal mindedness and continuous democratization of the party which will now allow more people to participate in its affairs.

Finally, the meeting resolved to re-convene in a fortnight where all eligible stakeholders will be co-opted and the new policy objectives of the party will be reinforced to all. With these development among other initiatives coming up, Ogun PDP is on the threshold of collective participation. A new party is birthed and in coming weeks, we shall have a party that everyone can be proud of. We also use this medium to encourage those sitting on the fence that this is the right time to identify with the party as there will be no chance for people to come in 2019 and begin to fight for party ticket. It is those who labour and commit to this party now that will eat the fruit of their labour.

Signed :
Bolaji Adeniji
State Publicity Secretary, Ogun PDP.