The All Progressive Congress (APC) has been working hard to ensure that all aggrieved members of the party are brought together before the National Assembly convenes next month. The National Vice Chairman (Southwest) of the APC, Hon Duerimini Isaacs Kekemeke, recently gave this assurance in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
The fear of a replay of the 2015 drama, when the opposition hijacked the National Assembly and installed Dr. Bukola Saraki and Aminu Tambuwal as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, is causing concern among members. However, Kekemeke disclosed that the party will not allow such to happen again and is taking measures to ensure unity in the National Assembly.
The APC had zoned the Senate presidency to the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Apabio from the South-South geo-political zone, his deputy Barau Jubrin from Northwest, speaker of House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen from North West, and his deputy, Ben Kalu, from Southeast geo-political zone. However, this arrangement raised dust among members of the party, including Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who faulted the zoning arrangement, describing it as an injustice that excludes the North Central geo-political and Southeast zone.
Kekemeke assured that the opposition would not take over the national assembly, and that the party is working tirelessly to ensure that whatever acrimony exists is sorted out before the inauguration of the National Assembly. He stated that the party believes in democratic engagement and that the president-elect is an engager.
Regarding Governor Akeredolu’s position against the party’s decision, Kekemeke said that the governor has a knack for justice and fearlessness, but that he will be further briefed, and they will all be on the same line with the party and the president-elect. Kekemeke also delivered the message of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, stating that Tinubu has so much respect for him and will deliver on his campaign promises of renewed hope for Nigeria.
The APC is committed to ensuring that the National Assembly is unified and that all members are brought together for the good of the country. With the party’s efforts and commitment to democratic engagement, Nigerians can expect a successful and peaceful National Assembly inauguration.