The Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Badagry Division, Lagos State, has condemned Monday’s attack on the State Party Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, during a protest at the party secretariat in Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that some members of the party in Alimosho had,during the protest, manhandled the party chairman and attempted to beat him before he was seized by security agents and whisked into his office.
The protesters were allegedly angry that members of the caucus they belong to were denied access to a meeting ,convened by Ojelabi to reconcile disagreeing groups in the local government area.
Mr Moses Aina, Public Relations Officer of APC Youths, Badagry Division and Legislative House Leader , Oto Awori Local Council Development Area, in a statement on Tuesday,said the attack on the chairman was unacceptable.
“It has come to our attention that some members of APC from Alimosho recently carried out an attack on the State Chairman of our great party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
“This act is both condemnable and unacceptable.
“As APC youths from Badagry Division, we strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the leadership of our party to investigate the matter.
“We urge the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the party to take swift action against those that would be found to be culpable in this uncivilised act,” Aina said.
According to him, if anybody or group within the party has any problem with the leadership of the party, such should follow due process by bringing the matter to the knowledge of the party for amicable resolution.
“Resorting to jungle justice such as launching an attack on the state chairman of our great party leaves much to be desired and can never help in solving misunderstanding,” he added.
Aina said that the APC, under the leadership of Ojelabi, had a reputation for hard work and adding value .
“We will not allow an ugly and unholy behaviour from some disgruntled elements to tarnish the image and reputation of our ever-performing party.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation within our party.
“We must uphold the principles of our party and ensure that those who violate them are held accountable,” he said.
The councilor, representing Ward D in the LCDA, said Badagry Division would continue to stand in solidarity with Ojelabi and the leadership of the APC in Lagos.
He called on all members of the party to remain peaceful and refrain from any form of violence.
“Let us work together to build a stronger and better APC for the good of Lagos State and our great nation.
“Let us all stand together and work as a team towards a better future for ourselves and generations to come,” he said. (NAN)
By Adeyemi Adeleye