THE newly constituted caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti state has threatened severe consequences for leaders and members of the party engaging in anti-party activities.
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 governor, former deputy governors, former members of the National Assembly and other leaders of the party from the 16 local government areas of the state.
A former governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose and members of his Osoko Political Assembly were conspicuously absent from the meeting, with no reason given for their absence.
The Fayose group had last week protested against the constitution of the caretaker committee, claiming that the 21-member committee had no Fayose loyalist.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting, Adeleke emphasized the need for discipline among members.
He cautioned that speaking against the party both in private and public places constituted anti-party activities and would no longer be tolerated, saying, “this and other negative behaviors against the party shall be thoroughly sanctioned without delay. Please be advised.”
Adeleke added: “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 instill 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 caretaker committee won’t tolerate any inappropriate behavior from any individuals, groups, or associations.
“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.”
Leaders who spoke at the meeting included the former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi; Senator Duro Faseyi, former state Chairmen of the party, among others, who all pledged their total support for the Caretaker Committee.
They urged the committee not to listen or take directive from anyone in the discharge of their duties, asking them to provide a level playing field for every member of the party and give members the formula to revive the party.
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