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Misturah Olatunji & Quadri Yahya
A former Commissioner for Health in Ogun state and loyalist of ex-governor Ibikunle Amosun, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye has called on the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun and the immediate past governor, Amosun to allow peace to reign amongst them for the progress of the party, All Progressives Congress.
Dr Ipaye made the call in a note titled: “It’s Time to Heal”: made available to PLATFORM TIMES on Wednesday.
The Amosun loyalist noted that it is important that the two APC governors settle the grudges between them, adding that he stands ashore to both sides’ arguments.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Ipaye admitted that he took varying position against the incumbent governor’s failure in the health sector, stating that his position was justifiable.
“My position in Ogun APC and the side I belonged was never in doubt. I took varying positions against Governor Dapo Abiodun’s government on our health system not because I was blindly loyal, I did because in my opinion, I had a more accurate position.
“A full cycle of political process had just been concluded with the APC national convention. Winners have emerged, they need our support. The party and the government in Ogun need to build back better. It is time to heal and it is time for me to play my part once again.
“For me, a loyal disciple does not abandon his principal during a storm. It was a collective decision, we faced the storm together and there is no doubt we fought a good battle for a course I felt was just.
“Returning back to the APC political family we never truly left is to actualise the sacred commitment we made before going through the avoidable political quagmire of 2019.”
The former Commissioner for Health under the Amosun’s administration added that his loyalty to the party made him not to consider decamping like others had done.
“Some of our people were so aggrieved that they decided to try their luck elsewhere, I do not have the capacity for such extreme ideological shift. I preferred to make peace with my egbon, Governor Dapo Abiodun and the family that gave me an opportunity to serve. He supported me in my moment sometimes in 2014 as mandated by Gov. Ibikunle Amosun. I should be bold to support him unconditionally too.”
PLATFORM TIMES further reports that Dr Ipaye reckoned that his message might not go down well with some people which he accepts his imperfections.
“I know by this decision I may step on toes, please accept my heartfelt apologies and like I stated elsewhere – it is time to recalibrate. A full cycle of loyalty was achieved in my humble perception, I will always remain grateful to my boss and support his aspirations without hurting my own political constituency.”
