Bello, Faleke Factions, Others In APC Reconciliation Meetings In Kogi

The reconciliation committee set up by the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kogi State to reconcile aggrieved members of the party in the state, has commenced work with the panel members expressing satisfaction with the job done, so far. Committee chairman (Kogi West), Hon Duro Meseko, a former member of House of Representatives told reporters in Kabba, yesterday.

The committee, it will be recalled, was, upon inauguration, charged to meet with members, especially those who are aggrieved with the aim of spearheading the restoration of peace, unity and tranquillity among members at ward, local government and state levels, and also to make appropriate recommendations where necessary.

As it were, the move, it was gathered, became imperative as a result of the fallouts from the recently concluded parallel congresses of the APC in the state, where two lists of executives emerged at the various levels.

Reportedly, some aggrieved loyalists of the party, in reaction to the controversial Congresses, had either left the party or were warming up to join other parties.

Related intraparty issues such as appointments into state boards and parastatals, also formed parts of the grey areas that caught the eyes of the peace panel members.

A special case was made for members earlier issued with appointment letters and though reported to their duty posts, had their names changed and appointments terminated “without just cause”.

Meseko, leading other members of the peace panel,  including Senator Smart Adeyemi, General Paul Okutimo(Rtd) and Dr Toyin Akanle, local government sole administrators and party stalwarts, disclosed that the panel members had a busy week on tour of Yagba West, Yagba East and Mopamuro Local Government Areas, in Yagba Federal Constituency.

He described the tour as rewarding, revealing and successful as aggrieved members turned up in their numbers to voice out their grievances. According to Meseko, “It has been a wonderful experience. Our task has been made easier by the willingness of party members to cooperate with the committee. We went round. Although it is still ongoing, we realized there are issues but we have succeeded to a large extent to restore peace among the party faithfuls. So many have now decamped  back into the party.

“APC, like any other party is not devoid of internal rancour. It is just that Kogi State has taken the lead in this instance”.

Asked if the ongoing peace initiative would be extended to Bello and Hon James Faleke, two main rivals in the crisis rocking the party in Kogi State since the 2015 governorship election, Meseko replied, ” The prospect is very high. Faleke is a member of APC, he cannot be a hindrance to the peace process.I can assure you that Hon Faleke will be reconciled with the governor as Iong as he remains a member of the APC”.

“The committee is doing a great job. And many aggrieved members have been reconciled back into the party. I urge all members to embrace this reconciliation initiative aimed at repositioning our party”.

(KOGIREPORTS)