Aggrieved members free to join us, we will reconcile all interests— Makinde

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared his readiness to reconcile all contending interests within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The governor, who was speaking at the state’s 2021 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons, held at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, also announced the approval of 13th month salary to workers in the state.

He said that his administration will continue to improve on governance in the state, adding that the people should expect more dividends of democracy in 2022.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted him as saying that civil servants in the state will receive the 13th-month bonus on December 27.

The governor also said that besides reconciling the forces in the PDP, he was also ready to bring aggrieved members of the APC to the PDP fold.

He appealed to aggrieved members of the PDP and other members to give room for reconciliation in the spirit of the season.

He said: “During the sermon of Pastor Femi Emmanuel, he said that part of the reasons for this season was that Jesus Christ came to reconcile us with God and why can’t we reconcile the party members? So, I am using this opportunity, once again, to appeal to the aggrieved members of our party to give room for reconciliation in the spirit of this season.

“Also, the aggrieved members in the opposition party can also join us in the reconciliation process.

“This is your government; come and we will reconcile everybody.”

The governor further said: “I want to thank the people of Oyo State for your support. This is the third edition of this Christmas Carol but everything has been possible because of the prayers you offer for this government.

“I also want to seek your further support for 2022. You may or may not be aware that 2022 is going to be a defining year, as it is the year that we will choose candidates in political parties for the 2023 elections.

“So, we have to intensify our prayers so that we will choose aright.

“For those of you who have not joined any political party, please do so, because direct primaries may likely be adopted, which means every one of you will have the right to vote in those political parties.