Surulere Chairmanship Tussle: ‘Abisoye Never Mismanaged Public Property’ — APM Liberation Group Fires Back

…Warns Against Dragging Olugbon’s Name Into Politics_

A group within the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, in Surulere Local Government Area, the APM Liberation Group, ALG, has faulted allegations that Hon. Ezekiel Abisoye mismanaged public property during his tenure as Head of Political Administration, Surulere North LCDA.

The group, in a statement made available to MOUTHPIECE NGR on Thursday, described the allegation as sponsored and aimed at defaming Abisoye following his reaction to the outcome of the consensus arrangement for the Surulere Local Government chairmanship ticket.

The ALG alleged that members of the ‘Smato group’ were behind the story, accusing them of hiding under the party’s identity to cause division.

“It has come to our notice that some individuals believed to be members of the Smato group sponsored a story to defame one of the leaders of our party, Hon. Ezekiel Abisoye, over his displeasure with the outcome of the consensus arrangement on the chairmanship candidature for Surulere Local Government,” the statement said.

“We dare the sponsors of this mischievous report to come out and identify themselves instead of using the party’s name to cause further division. It is normal in politics to express one’s mind, but the ability to manage crisis will give a party victory at the polls.”

The group however challenged the sponsors to provide evidence of the alleged mismanagement.

“Instead of mismanaging public property, Hon. Abisoye carried out a mega empowerment where citizens were given vocational instruments. Don’t mistake Hon. Abisoye for those in the same office who have sold everything left behind as legacy. That is a story for another day,” it added.

The ALG also warned against dragging the Olugbon of Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao, into the political dispute, describing it as a sign of political weakness.

“We read that you are trying to drag our revered monarch, the Olugbon, into politics. Our monarchs remain fathers to all and should not be dragged into partisan politics.

“Is this to tell us that one cannot achieve anything as a politician unless nominated by a king? We advise you to make all traditional rulers your Campaign Director Generals and let politicians stay away from your re-election bid. Then we will await the results,” the group stated.

The group further accused the Smato group of attempting to dominate both the House of Representatives and chairmanship positions in the two local governments that make up the federal constituency.

“Instead of addressing the issue of party dominance, you have resorted to defamation. This shows your group is only trying to use others to achieve your aim of becoming both House of Reps members and council chairmen. Where is the fair treatment?

“Bamboo ni nse ise, ejo ni nje eran. Real politics is about power delegation, not ‘winner takes all’,” the statement said.

Conclusively, the ALG called for genuine reconciliation within the party ahead of the polls, saying “If our party is working towards genuine reconciliation and is ready to win, we must delegate power, not dominate it. Anything aside that is a waste of time and resources. Our prayer is that our party gets it right before it is too late. Amin.”