Ex Ekiti Deputy Governor, Lawal Quits PDP
Former Ekiti state deputy governor, Dr. Sikiru Lawal has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over what he premised on irreconcilable differences over the forthcoming governorship primary of the party.
The former Deputy Governor Bisi Omoyeni and former Nigerian envoy to Canada, Ambassador Dare Bejide and other prominent members of the party in the state had also dumped the Party for Social Democratic Party (SDP).
He explained that his action was informed by available fact that the party delegates’ list had allegedly been doctored in favour of Governor Ayodele Fayose’s adopted aspirant and Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.
Lawal who was the deputy governor to former Governor Segun Oni, who ruled Ekiti between 2007 and October 15, 2010 has also resigned his position as a non-executive Director in Odu’a Investment Company Limited , where he has been serving through the instrumentality of Governor Fayose.
In a letter dated April 3, 2018 and addressed to the PDP Chairman in Ward 9, Ado Ekiti, Mr. Tope Makanjuola , Lawal said his resignation takes effect from the date he communicated same to the party.
The letter entitled: ‘Withdrawal of Membership’ reads: “Reference to above , I wish to inform you that I, Sikiru Tae Lawal with membership number 2620001 registered at ward 9, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State wish to withdraw my membership of your party, PDP effective from today, Tuesday, 3rd April 2018”.
In the letter to the Group Managing Director of Odu’a management, a copy of wish was sent to Governor Fayose, Lawal said : “I wish to notify you of my intention to resign my appointment as a non-executive Director representing Ekiti State on the board of Odu’a investment Company Limited with effect from 1st May , 2018.
“I wish to thank the Ekiti State governor and the good people of Ekiti State for the opportunity given me to serve on the board. I also appreciate the cooperation of my colleagues and staff of Odu’a during my stay”, he stated.
Lawal who did not mention the political platform he would be joining with his supporters across the 177 wards in the state said he decided to take such a far reaching decision to be able to defend his political interest and that of his people in another party.
He said: “Whatever you do in politics, you do it for yourself and your people. It seems PDP no longer needs us, because the processes leading to our primary have been badly manipulated in favour of an aspirant .
“The message was clear that there is no level playing ground again in our party and there is no point wasting time in a party that has lost its bearing , because the PDP is no longer the people’s choice, it has lost its goodwill due to pervasive impunity in the system.
“The PDP supposed to be a democratic party, but this is not the case. I am not over ambitious but I have no choice than to leave when someone has said your services are no longer needed”, he said.
