The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has played down reports of a protest at its secretariat on Monday, describing it as a reconciliatory meeting that was infiltrated by thugs.
The party spokesman, Hon Seye Oladejo, said the party has a robust dispute resolution mechanism in place and will not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary.
Oladejo commended the security agencies for restoring order and emphasized the party’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and discipline, according to Nigerian Tribune.
He noted that the APC’s success in Lagos State is due to its responsive government and strict adherence to party discipline.
The spokesman’s comments come after a reported protest by aggrieved members at the party secretariat, which was allegedly infiltrated by thugs.
Oladejo’s statement aims to set the record straight and reassure party members and the public of the APC’s commitment to discipline and dispute resolution.
According to him, the alleged protest was a reconciliatory meeting between different factions of the party in Alimosho local government area held at the party secretariat which was infiltrated by thugs with ulterior motives.
Setting the record straight, he said, “Our attention has been drawn to the news going round about a purported protest rocking Lagos APC. As much as this sensational piece of news might throw the opposition camp into premature celebration, the incident was a storm in a teacup.
“Since the resumption of office of the State Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, he has continuously sought the peaceful co-existence of all party members in every cradle and cranny of the state.
“It is on record that he has, at various times, been able to successfully reconcile warring party members across board to ensure cohesion.
“The incident today was about a meeting convened to reconcile the different factions of the party in the Alimosho local government area which was unfortunately infiltrated by uninvited thugs with ulterior motives.
“The victory of the progressives in Lagos State since the inception of this dispensation has been due to life-changing policies by our responsive and responsible government and strict compliance with party discipline.
“Lagos State APC has a time-tested mechanism for settling disputes and will not hesitate to wield the big stick if need be. The sacrifices of the founding fathers of the party to engender democracy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of indiscipline and intolerance.
We acknowledge protests as an integral part of democracy, but it has to be within acceptable norms without infringing on the rights of others.”