Kunle Adelabu
-Urges party on reward for loyal members
The symbol of the KOLUJO movement, Comrade Japheth Abolade Odesanya who aspired to be the Chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently concluded primary elections, have accepted the decision of the party which favoured Prince Adaedayo Ladega.
He also extended his hands of fellowship to the winner and other aspirants that showed interests in serving Ikorodu.
Odesanya made his position known in a statement released today.
“My dear comrades, party members, elders and leaders of our great party, APC, and the good people of Ikorodu, the primary elections for the Chairmanship seat of my beloved Ikorodu, has come and gone and a winner declared.
“I accept the decision of the party and extend my hand of fellowship to the winner and my fellow aspirants whose desire is to serve our beloved hometown”, he said.
The KOLUJO symbol, who was a former students’ leader and a pro – democracy activist, relished the campaign that he ran with his team for over a year and the acceptance of the people.
He said that his political engagements over the years has always been about the struggle for development, and added that he is not tired yet.
“We ran a deliberate, sustained, issue-based campaign for sixteen months, engaging the beautiful people of IKORODU, feeling their warmth, acceptance, hope, love and the willingness to accept and guide the coming change as symbolised by KOLUJO.
“My political history has always been about struggle and the quest for betterment, and is replete with involvement and engagements, first with the June 12,1993, democratic struggle. Later to National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), then to students unionism as the President,Students Union,Ogunpoly, and the PRO, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
“The fight to restore civil rule from the military junta was protracted and historic.
“It dovetailed into the formation of Alliance for Democracy(AD), Action Congress(AC) to Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN )and now, All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The struggle continues,” Comrade Japheth said.
He also commended those that stood by him and supported his aspiration, both home and abroad.
“I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to my family, friends, supporters and well wishers who stood by the Kolujo team and movement. Special mention must be made of the KOLUJO DIASPORA SUPPORT GROUP for the monumental partnership and unwavering dedication.
“You have been wonderful and I cannot thank you enough. Thank you!! God bless you all.
“When I contested for the councillorship of my ward in 2001/02, you stood!
“I contested for Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu 1, in 2010/2011, you stood!!
“Again, when I contested for the Chairmanship, Ikorodu, in 2015, you stood still!!!
“I remain absolutely grateful to you all.”
He enjoined the APC to develop ways of giving sense of belonging to those that have stood by it and contributed to its growth and development.
“My sincere hope is that the party evolves a better reward mechanism for appreciating active members and their contributions.
“I recall the words of Macbeth in William Shakespeare’s book, Macbeth…Act 2, Scene 2:
“Macbeth: ” I have done the deed. Did you hear a noise?
“The answer is blowing in the wind.
“I remain resolute and steadfast in my commitment to the peace, harmony and progress of our dearly beloved Ikorodu”, he assured.
