Ogun APC hits back at sacked DG of PGF, Salihu Lukman over comments on Abiodun
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun State has cautioned the sacked Director-General of The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) to stop peddling unfounded and baseless allegation against Gov Dapo Abiodun who had for almost his three years in office remained committed to implementation of projects that have not only made the ruling party to be more popular but also made life a lot easier for the residents of the state.
The APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Hon Tunde Oladujoye stated this while reacting to an online report said to have been credited to Mr Salihu Lukman where he had allegedly linked the postponement or what he called “planned delay” of the formerly scheduled February 26 national convention of the party as well as its presidential primary election to Gov Abiodun.
The party said while the former DG of PGF who was said to have described himself as “Freelance Campaigner” has right to his opinion, sulking, frustration and vituperation, he should please not drag the hardworking governor of the state into his damned ocean of frustration and what he (Gov Abiodun) knew nothing of.
The state chapter of the party said “we hereby urge the ‘Freelancer’ to leave out the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his “freelance campaign.” The Ogun State Governor is not a member of the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee and has no interest, whatsoever, in the delay or postponement of the convention or presidential primary of the party.
“For about three years now, Prince Dapo Abiodun has been solely preoccupied with building enduring infrastructures, expanding the democratic space and entrenching sustainable development in Ogun State; so much to the admiration of all discerning citizens, residents and visitors to the state. The Governor just returned from international investment drive that took him to some African countries.
“The APC in Ogun State and our hardworking Governor, certainly, do not need the national convention or the presidential primary, for Governor Abiodun’s well merited second term. Salihu Lukman and his co-travelers will not determine Governor Abiodun’s second term; Ogun State people will do. His works speak for him.
“Lukman’s suggestion for investigation of reasons for the delay of the convention so far, would have been taken seriously, but the “freelancer” has even pronounced the verdict on the outcome of the investigation even before the commencement of investigation!
“For him, those he mentioned without any proof, should be barred from public office, appointive and elective, with automatic alacrity reminiscent of military dictatorship.
“A freelancer’s allegiance shifts by the hours, if not by the minutes; and it is only attached to the paymaster’s dictates. Therefore, it is obvious that the sponsors of the writer are against Prince Dapo Abiodun running for second term! This is nothing but mere daydreaming and wishful thinking by people who have lost touch with the present reality in Ogun State.
“Our party is very strong and dominant, our Governor has raised the bar in service delivery and created peaceful coexistence with his sociopolitical policy of inclusiveness that has attracted the political juggernauts of Ogun politics into APC.
“President Muhammadu Buhari is not given to open commendation, but he publicly and profusely commended our performing Governor during his recent visit to Ogun State in January to the chagrin of the Naysayers. Describing Governor Abiodun as the ‘‘performing Governor of Nigeria’s Gateway State,’’ the President said he is a worthy example of ‘‘promises made, promises kept.’’
‘‘This has made Ogun State one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country and investors’ destination of choice. You (Prince Abiodun) have justified the mandate of the people of Ogun State. You have represented our Party very well,’’ the President had said.
‘‘Your Excellency, well done! I am proud of what you have done for your State and your people. You have made our great Party, the APC, proud too. You are a worthy example of promises made, promises kept. These lofty projects could not have materialised without your huge investment and commitment to security of lives and property.’’
“President Buhari also congratulated the people of Ogun State for having such a “focused, deliberate and inclusive administration under the watch of Prince Abiodun,” urging them to continue to support the governor for the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda of his Administration” the statement concluded.
