The Aribasoye Example of Consensus Building
Following the Ekiti APC Stakeholders Meeting held last week, leaders and members of the APC across Ekiti State have been enjoined to return to their wards to mobilise members of the party for the coming congresses.
Elective congresses can be very challenging because of the various interests that abound in any political setting. Thus, the challenge for leaders is to engage stakeholders across the grassroots, towards building consensus to fill the various elective positions at the wards, local governments, and state levels to ensure crisis free outcomes. The Baba Abejide committee has vowed to conduct the congresses transparently and fairly in line with INEC guidelines and the party’s constitution.
We must therefore commend the example of Honourable Adeoye Aribasoye, Member representing Ikole Constituency 2 in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, who has led the way in showing a good example of the possibilities in store for the party, if we all embrace robust grassroots mobilisation, inclusion, and engagement. Ward 8, Ikole local government is one ward that the 176 other wards in Ekiti state should take a cue from.
Over the past few weeks, Hon. Aribasoye has worked hard to reach out to all stakeholders towards building a unified position ahead of the congresses. This approach has been well received, which is why Ward 8, Ikole, is now far ahead of other wards, in terms of reaching consensus on the candidates being put forward for election at the congresses.
One key feature of this sophisticated approach to grassroots politicking is the high premium placed on respect for elders, and the honour given to respected party leaders, who are all said to be very happy that they are receiving the honour due to them from the elected representative. We have seen in Ward 8, Ikole the demonstration of the Omoluabi ethos of the Adebayo-Fayemi political tradition that has been established in the state. We have seen in Ward 8, Ikole, that consultation and consensus building is far better than the imposition of the will of a few over the majority, which breeds unnecessary crisis.
It is anticipated that the home ward of the honourable member would have one of the most peaceful congresses, which would go a long way in elevating his profile as one of the promising young politicians in the state.
Already, as the leader of Ikole Constituency 2 by virtue of his position as the elected representative, Honourable Aribasoye has extended his consultations to Ward 9, Ikole, to also bring together different interest groups that have had longstanding issues, and successfully forged a resolution from them to work together for the success of the congresses in their ward.
Consultations are also ongoing in other wards in Constituency 2, Ikole, in this regard. The elders in Ward 9 were grateful for his intervention in resolving the issues.
Well done Honourable @Adeoye Aribasoye
May God lead us right, may we have the humility to use the opportunity of the congresses to correct all the errors holding us back from optimising the possibilities for our great party, and may we have the courage to do what is right.
Akin Rotimi