By David Lawani
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai Bala Buni has stated that since he asserted that he will shock the nation with his ability to convince other Governors of his colleagues into the party, his intention has yielded so many results for the party.
Buni made these remarks when he inaugurated the 10 members National Reconciliation Committee of the party held at Buhari House in Abuja. He said he is particularly glad that those who had grievances with the party deem it wise to have complied with the directive of the party that members should withdraw their cases and embrace peaceful settlement.
The APC National Reconciliation Committee is led by Sen. Abdullahi Adamu – Chairman while Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo is Secretary. Others include; Sen. George Akume, H.E. Sullivan Chime, H.E. Ali Saad Birnin Kudu, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Alh. Suleiman Argungu, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti I. Adebule 9. Dr. Mrs. Beta Edu.
He said it is not only governors who have defected from the other party but that Senators and Members of the House of Representatives have also joined the APC train to take Nigeria to further heights.
According to him: ” Similarly, it is gratifying that loyal party members have complied with the directive to withdraw the multiple court cases instituted against the party. This has no doubt contributed to the speedy reconciliation and rebirth of the party. I am proud to say that our party today is more united, stronger, and bigger.
“You may recall that when l met the APC National Assembly caucus on 24th November 2020, l assured that APC will shock Nigeria’s political space, with massive and unprecedented defections ever witnessed in the political history of our great country.
“It is heartwarming that by the grace of God, and with the support and cooperation enjoyed from all party members, three sitting Governors of Ebonyi State Mr. Dave Umahi, Cross River State Prof. Ben Ayade and Zamfara State Alh. Bello Muatawalli as well as members of their State Assemblies, two former Speakers of the House of Representatives Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Hon. Dimeji Bankole and former National Chairmen of other political parties have joined the APC.
“Similarly, numerous Senators and Members of the Federal House of Representatives, state legislators, Chieftains and Members of Board of Trustees of the opposition party and their supporters have also joined the APC.
He said further that Anambra and South East are showing real zeal in terms of their determination to join the fold of the party after some state house of assembly members recently defected to the party to shore up its fortune in the forthcoming Anambra Governorship election.
He said: ” Worthy of mention is Anambra state where we are about to hold the governorship election. We have recently received five serving, and four former members of the House of Representatives, Nine members of the state assembly, and chieftains of PDP and APGA into the APC, paving the way to our victory in November Anambra governorship election.
“Today, the southeast geo-political zone, hitherto referred to as the stronghold of opposition parties, is gradually melting into the APC and increasing the fortunes of APC to remain Nigeria’s leading political party.
“The Membership Registration and Revalidation Exercise carried out by the party is, of course, another major milestone achievement for the party. It was a crucial tool in the recovery of the party. Over 40 million members were registered while the process is still ongoing. It provided existing and new members with a sense of belonging and ownership of the party. I congratulate all stakeholders, women, and youth for the active roles they played towards the success of the exercise.
“The leadership of the party had in the last sixteen months constituted various committees to serve the party, some of which are still ongoing. Members of these committees have served with a high sense of commitment and dedication which contributed immensely to the milestone achievements recorded by the party. I want to sincerely commend and appreciate you for the great sacrifices you made to the process of rebuilding the party”, he said.
He added that the Caretaker committee found it expedient to constitute the National Reconciliation Committee to reconcile emerging misunderstandings and differences which might arise from the outcome of the congresses.
The Terms of Reference of the Committee are as follows: ” Conduct appropriate engagement between identified groups in each State where there are disputes with a view to bringing about genuine reconciliation and establishing lasting peace and unity in the Party.
“To consult with Party Leaders and Concerned Members as the Committee deems necessary with a view to achieving peace therein.
Lagos, Kwara Governors head Anambra governorship reconciliation efforts
“Critically examine areas of conflict on the just concluded Ward and Local Government Congress and advance solutions in the circumstance”, it stated.
He said their report on the resolution of these discrepancies would indicate the readiness of the party as a united and strong family for the national convention. ” Your assignment, therefore, has great impact and influence on the convention.
” I enjoin members of the committee to remain resolute and dedicated to executing this assignment with a spirit of teamwork, taking the interest of the party above personal and selfish interests for APC to remain strong, united and Nigeria’s leading political party”, he noted.
