From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Osun Progressives (TOP), a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State loyal to former governor and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has disbanded to pave way for the reintegration of aggrieved members.
Speaking at a press conference, yesterday, former speaker of the House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, said the resolution to dissolve the faction was to allow them to restructure the party for true progressives.
He said the step became necessary because of the trajectory and the electoral misfortune the party suffered in the July 16 governorship election that led to their loss and resolve for the way forward.
“We are hereby dissolving The Osun Progressives (TOP) and the faction of the party associated with it to facilitate the unity of purpose that this time requires. For effective closure, we will have a truth and reconciliation forum within the party when fully restructured with the sole purpose of preventing any recurrence of the ugly past.
“We are therefore extending our hand of fellowship to everyone who is a progressive at heart and loves good governance in our party, in the other parties and independents who are hitherto not aligned to any party.
“Consequent to this, and to demonstrate our readiness for this leap of faith, I have the mandate of our leaders and members to invite other progressives in other caucuses in the Osun APC and other parties and like minds across the state to join us in this endeavor. This is a call for unity of purpose in our party and beyond. It is a call for burying the hatchet and working for the greater good and service to humanity through progressive governance,” he added.