BY BENEDICT NWACHUKWU, ABUJA
The uncertainty beclouding the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress came to the fore, Monday in Abuja when the party inaugurated the Sen. Abdullahi Adamu-led Reconciliation Committee at its national secretariat, and the Chairman disclosed that their report will determine the holding of the Convention.
The party has been enmeshed in crises, which gave rise to the setting up of the committee, while the date for the National Convention is yet to be fixed.
Fielding questions from the media, Senator Adamu said that his committee would ensure they work in tandem with the frame of reference given to them by the party hierarchy and as such would not cross the Convention line as they execute their terms of reference.
“The one line we know we will not cross is the convention. We are hoping that we will be able to reconcile ourselves enough to be ready for the forthcoming national convention of our party.”
The former governor of Nasarawa State affirmed that the party had had reconciliation committees in the past whose reports were not implemented but noted that his committee will do its best to bring all stakeholders together.
“Somehow, all the members of the National Reconciliation Committee that I have seen are positivists. We believe we will be able to accomplish the responsibilities bestowed and the mandate given us today.
“We will as maybe appropriate consult with leader Jagaban, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. We will consult with the first national chairman of our great party, Chief Akande who was my contemporary as governor of Osun State then. Other prominent leaders and stakeholders will take interest in what we are doing. We will not hesitate to approach and talk to them and see the best way forward in reconciling our ranks.
He said he had no power over the appointment of the members of the committee but added that every member is willing to work with positive mind.
“I don’t know about that. I didn’t appoint him. And it is not for me to start complaining about anybody. As far as I am concerned, I spoke with him when our names were announced. And he is very keen. What is happening today is that there is a presidential retreat that is going on with all the Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the chairmanship of Mr President. I guess my brother, the former governor of Benue State, Chief Akume is there among his colleagues for the retreat. But for that, he would have been hear with us”.
The national chairman Caretaker/8Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Gov. Mai Mala Buni while inaugurating the committee charged the members to ensure they did a thorough and described the task ahead of them as very important and crucial.
He also charged them to reconcile, harmonize, integrate and unite members of the party, noting that they were also expected to resolve real or seeming differences and to cement all cracks for them to approach the National Convention with a united front.
“Your terms of reference include to 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.
“Critically examine areas of conflict on the just concluded Ward and Local Government Congress and advance solutions in the circumstance,” he said.
The Yobe State governor reiterated that the committee’s report would determine the conduct of the national convention.
“Your report on resolution of these discrepancies would indicate our readiness as a united and strong family for the national convention. Your assignment therefore, has great impact and influence on the convention.”
Members of the Committee include
Sen. Abdullahi Adamu – *Chairman, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo – Secretary, Sen. George Akume, Sullivan Chime, Ali Saad Birnin Kudu, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Alh. Suleiman Argungu,
Dr. Mrs. Oluranti I. Adebule and Dr. Mrs. Beta Edu.
