*Says party lost grip under Oshiomhole led NWC
By Ezeocha Nzeh
As long cues gradually resurface in major cities of the country, amidst agitation by independent for an increase in fuel pump prices by marketers, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday rejected any push to raise petroleum pump price in the country.
The part disclosed during an interface with political office holders, which was hosted you the APC Young Professionals 8n partnership with APC Press Corp that the party has initiated a triapatrate Committee, which is headed by the Vice president, Professor Yomi Osinbajo to address issues that concerns both the APC and of National interest.
APC National Caretaker Committee Secretary, Senator John AkpanUdoedehe, who represented the National Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state noted that fuel pump price will remain the same despite the increase in both refining and importation of the products to Nigerians.
The party assured the APC Professionals that the president has worked hard to tackle the nation’s challenges, adding that the efforts of the triapatrate Committee has continued to yield dividends for both party members and the nation.
The chairman who described the Caretaker Committee as a child of necessity, regretted that the APC lost its grip under the sacked Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee (NWC) .
“Let me start by thanking you for all the efforts that you have put in place to enlighten people, educate them and for their supports for the administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari. I bring you greetings from the national chairman who is so passionate the group. The national chairman said i should tell you that he loves you and he is going to partner with you. The Caretaker committee is a child of circumstances.
We came on board when APC as a party was dwindling. We lost lots of ground, seats and to the glory of God, thanks to the kindness of party members. I like to be honest, one of the complaint though there are lots, is that, you see this people who form groups, they believe in the President because these are professionals.
“Part of what they are looking for is good governance. They are also looking for patronage. Sometimes they encounter lots of problems with government appointees. And it is quite upsetting. I am taking these complaints into consideration. The Chairman of this party met with the president and the idea was mooted of forming tripartite committee.
“That Committee happens to be almost the last bus stop where everything will be discussed. The legislature, executive and the party is there. The outcome of what is happening yesterday and today in terms of board appointments is as a result of what is happening in that Committee.
“The President is a listening that many of the things you complain about, he already knows them. Once you bring anything or those issues before him, he will take it with commitment.
“Another thing we have achieved which is recently is the issue in the pump price of petroleum. The party said no to it even though they have discussed it. It doesn’t matter the circumstances. The party say the time is not ripe. That is the position of the party.and they listen.
“We have table the matter. One of the thing they are doing for you now, is that we should attach you to all political appointees who are working for the party.
“There have been a government like this in the history of the nation. And i am not playing politics. Show me any government that has done much than President Buhari that has direct link with the masses. If you go to the villages, the camps are full with people taking their 20k from the PWF. Everywhere in Nigeria. People are having accessi.
“The president has thrown his door open for everybody. It doesn’t matter which party you belong. In the days of PDP, it was not so. It is either PDP or nothing. The President allows everyone to key into his program. As i am talk with you now, people are collecting loans and Covid-19 palliative.
“Go to the ministry of labour and you will find people collecting 450k to 1 million. And they are not saying anything. Nigerians are enjoying the program, and he is a listening President. We thank you the professionals. In the face of difficulties, frustration and in all, you still stand with the party.”
Earlier in his remarks Coordinator of the APC Professionals, Akeem Akin tão, noted that the forum, which he said believes deeply in the party’s ideology and principles, has taken serious responsibilities to stand as guardian and reminder to the core value and the necessity that gave birth to APC ad the party of a mass movement, embraced by the lower class, that is the Talakawas and the middle class to rescue Nigeria from the for the brinks of collapse from the PDP maladministration before 2015.
“It is on this note, we as a responsible party, government, stakeholders should be asking ourselves; how far so far in the policy formulations and implementation in line with manifesto and agenda we promised Nigerians as a party.
“If policy makers, political appointees in our party can engage with our professional stakeholders of the party in reeling the outstanding achievements and performances, it will reduce the stress in communicating to our communities, towns and villages what we have achieved as a scorecard since the formation and enthronement of APC as a governing party as well as our campaign messaging as prepare towards 2023 election.”
