‘This year will be a year of “GROWTH” for the party’ – Dr Arome
“Every thumb is important in a working democracy…” – Dr Arome
May I use this rare occasion to felicitate with the members of the SDP family in Kogi state for surviving the throes and turbulence of 2020. Congratulations to you all.
From the unfortunate ostracising of the party from state governance as is the pitiable practice where the alleged winner takes it all and the runners up are viewed as enemies of the state and subjugated to the gallows for complete annihilation in this part of the world; the unfortunate scourge and pestilence of the COVID19 pandemic that has asserted itself and instituted a new normal; the unprecedented insecurity never before witnessed with kidnappings and brutal executions topping the charts; to the several internal wranglings that is common in organizations but necessary to hone the frictional surfaces to straighten our paths, we have but altogether overcame and survived 2020 as a formidable team. 2020 can unarguably be said to be the worst year ever experienced by our generation.
In all these, let us as a party look optimistically into the future and use these lemons cast at us to make lemonade.
As a people organized and bonded by a common belief, we are naturally guided by this principle to ensure fairness, justice and progress- condiments that are all but lacking in the current state of affairs of our dear State and, debatably, nation. The current government led by the APC, having succeeded in entrenching a world class record in rigging their way into office, has gone further to rule the people with iron fists and instilled untold hardship never before witnessed in the state and country.
Civil servants have been reduced to mere courtiers cadging meals just to survive with the result that the Civil service is a mere shadow of itself and pensioners being regularly denied their rights or given in pitiable pittance of their dues and by extension causing their untimely deaths.
Constructive criticisms from well meaning kogites are viewed as a stance for combat. Basic fundamental requirements for the provision of good governance are now reserved for the privileged few where they exist, if they exist, that even within the APC, majority are lamenting the dystopia. Many have had to identify with the monstrosity of the APC in order to stay alive.
As though the punishment from government wasn’t enough, along came the pandemic that ravaged parts of the state to which the government continually blatantly deny its existence in a show of blank ignorance and irresponsibility, to the extent of sponsoring thugs to destroy the only federal tertiary institution in the state just so samples and test results may not be collected, collated and announced in the facility. I wish to encourage all and sundry to take the various protocols instituted by WHO, and trickled down through the presidential task force (PTF) for the prevention of Covid, seriously. These include; wearing face masks in public gatherings, washing of hands with soap and water or alcohol based sanitizer for 25-30seconds and observing social distance of about 6feet apart.
As a party, we are learning and taking notes from the actions and inactions of other political parties as we continue to work hard to ensure we do not repeat their mistakes while positioning ourselves as the formidable and favorable alternative to wrestle power in 2023.
I must say I have been enthused by the several calls I have received from men and women, young and old, across party, ethnic and religious divides in support of our great party. The common denominator behind these calls is support for our uncommon focus, calmness and commitment to equal playing field for all and sundry coupled with our ability to remain relevant and consistent by partaking in all elections from the local council, gubernatorial to the National polls.
We have continually encouraged people of like minds to engage in politics as a means of effecting the desired change. As one of the very few parties that can boast of having a stable structure across the 239 wards in the state, it didn’t come as a surprise to me that well meaning kogites are beginning to view the party as the platform through which the state will finally find redemption.
I would like to urge us all to continue to close ranks as we stabilize and poise for 2023. Our constitution must be upheld at all times especially when we have dissenting views on a matter. Self-sacrifice should continue to be the watchword if we must succeed. Respect for one another and indulgence to varying views and opinions will only help us grow geometrically and accommodate more members peacefully. Our party must be guided jealously so as not to be encroached upon by miscreants, hooligans and divisionists.
This year will be the year of “Growth” for the party. I wish to encourage all zones to close ranks, extend the olive branch to aggrieved members who left for one misunderstanding or the other and stretch our hands of fellowship to new members. Every thumb is important in a working democracy, especially now that we are striving hard to see that the electoral act amendment bill is passed into law before the next general elections. We have metamorphosed now into a winning party and not just another political party with a symbol.
We must eschew inducement politics and encourage one of intellectualism, problem-solving and rich policy formulation. We must guide jealously our reputation as it is only then that we can work as a bloc to entrench the next government and provide good leadership that is lacking to the people in all sphere of governance.
May the new year usher in good health, peace and longevity.
SDP!!!!…. Progress!
God bless the SDP
God bless Kogi state,
God bless Nigeria.
Signed:
Dr. Okeme Arome
State Secretary,
SDP, Kogi state.