Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has described a former Commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jide Ojuko and other members of the All Progressives Congress, APC from Ado/Odo-Ota local government that they had strayed but are welcome back.

The Governor said this when the former Commissioner under Senator Ibikunle Amosun joined forced with the Governor in Ogun APC.

The party has been polarized since the build up to the 2019 general election with no end in site.

The governor posited that since the returnees retraced their steps, they would be reintegrated into the party.

He said: "I know that you fought for a cause and if we are fighting for a purposeful leadership then we understand. But there is no need for the fight to continue since the election had been concluded and a governor emerged. I am not going to be the governor of APC alone, but the governor to those who did not vote for me.

"Your coming to join us was not by compulsion, it is out of your conviction. This action of yours is a vote of confidence of what we are doing. It is a vote of endorsement. This is a day of celebration for all of us in the APC. We may have our differences, but the important thing is for us to put those differences aside and work for the good of the party and the state.

"Let me assure you that as your leader and on behalf of the party, since you strayed and decided to come, you are welcome. I commend your sense of loyalty and determination to come back home. We welcome you with open arms. Please, integrate yourself and contribute to the success of the party".

Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun has promised to be fair to all party members irrespective of misdemeanor in the past.

The State Chairman of the party, Yemi Sanusi acknowledged the place of disagreement among members of the same family, noting however that the erstwhile members have taken the right steps by reuniting with the mainstream of the party in the State.

According to the Chairman, "this is the third time we are receiving our members who had strayed but retrace their steps. We are happy to receive you. I commend the governor for his inclusive policy and large heart. I admonish you to fully integrate with the party and feel at home.

"We are all one and owners of the party. The door of the party is open to all. Go to your ward, local government and state to integrate. We are ready to receive you because there is time to fight and time to make peace".

It will be recalled that Ojuko resigned his appointment in the cabinet of Ogun State under Amosun 14 days to the expiration of the regime, his resignation was however rejected and issues resolved.

 

He had sited chieftaincy issues involving installation of an Oba in Aworiland which he said was against his conscience for the aborted resignation.