Nigerian Concord Newspaper
A Chairmanship aspirant in the just concluded State Congress in Ondo State, Hon Olaniyi Ogungbuji has described the State Congress as one built on utter deceit and offensive manipulation which must not be allowed to stand in the overall interest of the growing democracy.
Hon Ogungbuji made this statement while addressing some journalists at his office in Akure after the completion of the alleged State Congress. He said some leaders of the party deceived them with the concept of status quo ante and employed it to manipulate the process for their own personal advantage.
“Some of us that had the intention to contest various positions at the Congress were told that the status quo ante would be maintained so as to strengthen and further unite the party at a time like this. We were also informed that those who have not spent eight years would be allowed to continue in their various offices” Ogungbuji recollected.
“Unfortunately, events that unfolded did not follow or portray this concept of status quo ante but clearly showed that the process was wilfully manipulated to feather and further the hidden interest of a few selfish leaders” Ogungbuji lamented.
Querying the sincerity behind the much-touted notion of status quo ante earlier canvassed, Ogungbuji said the State Chairmanship position of the Party which is currently occupied by Rt Hon Bakkita Bello from Akoko North West who has just spent barely a year, was completely stripped and taken away from the Akoko region, against the notion of status quo ante, to Owo Local Government, and the Congress form handed over to a particular person without making any opportunity available for a free contest.
Hon Ogungbuji also observed that the Youth Leader, Comrade Babatunde Daodu from Akoko South East, who has only spent less than a year was also removed and replaced with another person from Akoko South West LG, whereas those who have even spent more than eight years were retained as long as they have the backing of these few selfish leaders.
He further stressed that other state positions such as Deputy Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Organizing Secretary, Legal Adviser, Publicity Secretary, Auditor were swapped from their original place to another and which is contrary to the principle of status quo ante earlier canvassed and sold as dummy.
“From the outcome of today’s sham, only those who have the backing of the masterminds of this ridiculous charade, got their return tickets and others with no such support were swept away by the same people who preached the status quo ante. This is not only double standard but also extremely deceitful, manipulative and provocative. It is unacceptable and must be resisted” Hon Ogungbuji fumed
The chairmanship aspirant insisted that the Congress was built and conducted in deceit and manipulation and must not be allowed to stand in the interest of justice, peace and tranquility.
Hon Ogungbuji therefore demands the immediate cancellation of the dangerously manipulated Congress to pave the way for sincere, open, participatory and all inclusive Congress that will eventually produce officers with proven character, content and competence saying, that is the least thing that the party can do at the moment to strengthen its already weak base.