.Vows no black market court injunction can stop March 26 convention’
‘We survived a civilian coup inspired by mischief’
.As party fixes emergency NEC for March 17
.Tinubu calls for unity to resolve challenges
DAMISI OJO,Akure
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state on Thursday described the action of Mai Mala Buni, the immediate past Chairman of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee ( CECPC) as a great embarrassment.
He stressed that APC deserved complimentary responsibilities from its stakeholders.
Akeredolu, who is also the Chairman ,South West Governors Forum in a statement he personally signed in Akure, the state capita,l said, “With nostalgia, one can recall the moments of our struggle as compatriots from all walks of life enunciated and berthed Nigeria’s most ingeniously successful political network.
“Without being immodest, APC’s birth was a novel instance. The party’s philosophical beacon woven around its ideological leaning was alluring.
“Undoubtedly, the firm leadership, candour and honesty exemplified by Mr President who heads the administration that is the product of the APC deserve no less of support and complimentary responsibilities from all stakeholders.
“The installation of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC was beyond a call to service. It was a child of necessity moulded to one, instill discipline in leadership and engender coherence among stakeholders and more importantly, to deepen the Rule of Law in our party.
He however said the insidious and appalling happenings within the ruling party in the last few months; especially under the immediate-past leadership clearly posit a huge embarrassment.
According to him”Without necessarily dwelling on details that are known to critical stakeholders, the path taken lately by Governor Mai Mala Buni, the immediate past head of the CECPC and an indivisible few, is a unenviable trajectory undeserving of our dear party. It is a disdainful narrative.
“Nevertheless, the courage and determination as well as shrewd sincerity of purpose demonstrated by most of the APC Governors remain a delight. Significantly, the swift response and prompt action taken by Mr President have, in no small means, salvaged our great party from internal scavengers. We indeed, survived a Civilian Coup largely inspired by mischief and incurable lust for power through artificial barricades.
“Aside feeling very delighted as a major stakeholder in the latest successful Rescue Mission, I express my confidence in the ability and capacity of Governor Sanni Bello(ABU LOLO) to take APC through. We, the Governors are for the party except for the few “Yahoo, Yahoo” Governors (apologies to Salihu, former DG of the Progressive Governors’ Forum) who were hand in glove with Buni to circumvent the Will of majority of our Party (APC) members.
“Progressive Governors in the true name, mostly all of us, are determined to see our Party through these patchy parts at all cost.
“None of the scanty number has the guts to carry out their imaginary threats as reported in sponsored stories. We dare them to leave the party. Their short-lived antics in armtwisting Governor Buni and probably, some pocketfilling elements within the corridors of power to supplant the President’s will through fake letters, endorsements as well as ‘Black Market’ injunction (procured since November, 2021) are despicable.
“Now that the clear motive aimed at frustrating our national convention has been botched, our dear party is on the track to greatness. Gov. Sanni Bello, ABU LOLO, carry on; you have the backing of the majority of us. You shall see our full backing come Thursday, 17th March, 2022 at the National Executive Committee meeting”.
However, The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has called on the members of the party to be united in tackling its various challenges.
Tinubu urged the members of the ruling party to “keep the APC on its rightful path and reject any ruse or artifice that would cause the party to betray its great calling.”
The former Lagos State governor, who has since declared his intention to run for President in 2023, made the call in a statement issued by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, on Thursday.
Tinubu, however, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for making an important statement regarding the strength and purpose of the APC, which he said underscored the need for the party to “perfect its internal processes so that it keeps faith to the progressive purpose for which it was founded: to bring forth a better society through just and compassionate good governance.”
He said: “Our party came into being to answer the call of reform so that progressive governance for the good of all Nigerians could be established in the land. President Buhari won the 2015 election and was re-elected. But the essential task of fundamental reform and improvement of society has not been completed.
“We still have vital work to do. But the work can only be done by a party that is democratic and fair in governing itself as well as in governing the nation. This means that while people pursue their political goals they must also and always kept the greater collective purpose in mind.
“Let us be guided by the progressive and enlightened reason for the party. If we do so, the party shall not go astray or be riven by personal agendas and competition that becomes so heated that it turns into animus.
“Let us be more united in democratic purpose and practice. In this way we shall surmount the challenges, and complications inherent in any electoral cycle. The party can then gird itself for its finer purpose, giving the people the chance at better lives in a better society.
“Again, we all should thank the president for the Sunday remarks which he made. We should take full notice of the enduring import of what he said, his eyes on his legacy, on leaving behind a worthy legacy. Let us keep the APC on its rightful path and reject any ruse or artifice that would cause the party to betray its great calling.”
“Many progressive leaders had invested time, energy, ideas, and resources in forming the APC with a view to providing a better Nigeria. The president is a founder of this party. I too have lent my humble bit. As founding fathers of this party, we must continue to guard its purpose.
“Let not the APC descend into the ways and rank of the other parties. Instead, may we strive to be an exemplar for a caring and democratic society. Only in this manner can we ensure the legacy of the party while leading our nation to its greater improvement.
“We must also commend our president for assenting to the 2022 amendments to the Electoral Act. The new law will hopefully aid in the national pursuit of the fairest elections possible. As such, the act may prove to be a historic milestone on our nation’s democratic journey,” Tinubu was quoted to have said.
