Deacon Louis Clark, others inaugurated into Elders council of Lagos Labour Party
As part of it’s efforts to ensure that Labour Party enjoys absolute peace in all their Local Government Area chapters in Lagos State as well as surpass it’s performance at the last General election, the Lagos State Chapter of the party , Tuesday, May ,7 inaugurated elders in council of the party.
The inauguration which was held at the Party’s Secretariat, Oduduwa Way Ikeja, GRA attracted all the state, Local Government and ward executives as well as members who came to witness the epoch making event.
Top on the list of members of the elders in council inaugurated that day is an astute politician, grassroots mobilizer and philanthropist, Deacon Louis Clark who represented Surulere Local Government Area of the State.
In her speech at the occasion, State Chairman of the Party, Pst. Dr. ( Mrs) Dayo Ekong noted that the elders where chosen based on their track records; as those who have worked for the success of the party even when no one gave Labour Party any chance of survival.
” Our great party took a lot of things into consideration before constituting members of the elders in council.
In arriving at the list, we’re mindful of those who not minding their age, have shown that Labour Party is a party to be reckoned with in Lagos State and that was why we decided to honour you with this new responsibility.
” During the last election when there were attacks and intimidation on our members, some of you put their lives on the line to defend the interest of the party
” By your actions and advice, you’ve have shown you’re indeed worthy elders and the least we can do is to recognize you and I believe you’ll use your experience and wisdom to move the party forward”, she stated .
She however reminded them of the enormous responsibility entrusted on them which includes making sure that peace reigns in their various Local Government Areas and to always be a unifying factor whenever any issues crops up as well as maintain their integrity and pursuit of common goal for the interest of the party.
“By this position, it’s important we reaffirm our integrity and always remember that Labour Party is for the masses and not for money bag politicians.
” You should remember that your position is not for financial gains. Always allow equity and justice guide your decisions because we’re here to serve the people and not ourselves.
” It’s equally important I remind you that you’re counselors and should not allow your interest to conflict with that of your Local Government Chairman and we also believe that you have the capacity to solve problems that will arise in your constituencies.
Explaining the roles of the elders in council, the Deputy State Chairman, Engr. Olasupo Ajayi and the Secretary Chief Sam Okpala noted that their job is advisory and they’re expected to give appraisal of their Local Government Chairman in the same way the Chairmen will do the same to avoid rancor and division.
” As members of the elders council, you should know that you’re not apex leaders but your role is advisory as well as to support the party financially.
Speaking to newstap.com.ng on his membership of the council, Deacon Louis Clark described it as an act of God noting that as an ordained Deacon, he will use his position to preach peace as well as be a stabilizing force in the party.
” I give God all the Glory because am not the most qualified and out of the lot, I was chosen to serve. I’ll do my best to ensure that I do the work diligently.
” The leadership of the party have seem my hand work. They’ve seen my shadow that I’m a very uncompromising gentleman who fears God and put God first in anything I do. And if am discussing with you and you say let’s put God aside, I will tell you am out of the place.
” So, the most important thing am asking God is to give me the enablement and strength to work harder so that when my tenure expires, I will hold my head high and the leadership of the party will have course to say, this man was once here.
Deacon Clark who a fortnight ago was made Patron of South West Police Community Relations Committee promised that he’ll use his Christian faith to ensure that peace and sanity is sustained in the Surulere chapter of Labour Party.
” You’re aware that most Christians shy away from Politics but I keep on telling them not to do so because if you’re not there, you will not be able to proffer solutions that will make things work.
” As an ordained Deacon, I promise to use my Christian faith to ensure that peace reigns in the party and I’ll definitely achieve it.
Other members of the council drawn from all the Local Government Areas of the state as announced by the party’s Chairman of Chairmen, Chief Dafe Okpalefe are; Komolafe Samuel ( Oshodi/ Isolo), Akinola Olushagbemi ( Agege) , Odukoya Sesan ( Ibeju Lekki) and Chief Sonex Ohanazoeze ( Amuwo Odofin).
Others are; Pastor. Mrs. Joy Onyeonoro ( Ajeromi Ifelodun), Elder A.O. Akinsaya ( Alimoso), Pastor Arijesuye Ezekiel ( Apapa) , Ben Akosa ( Eti- Osa), Barrister Gbenga Adewumi ( Badagri), Odubote Tajudeen ( Epe) and Michael Thomas Cole ( Lagos Island) amongst others.
