- APC: Action Undermines Party’s Loyalty
- APGA: It’s a Laudable, Audacious Move
By Abiola Olawale
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are currently at loggerheads over the nomination of Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Anambra state chapter of the APC in its reaction, expressed concern over the nomination of Odumegu-Ojukwu, describing it as an “anti-party action.”
During an emergency meeting of party stakeholders in Awka on Thursday, the APC leaders questioned the President’s rationale behind the president’s decision to appoint her without consulting party members.
They described the nomination as capable undermining party’s loyalty in the State at the move will affect the morale of their members.
They also described the nomination as “highly demoralising,” lamenting that the President is enhancing the fortunes of rival parties at the expense of the APC.
High Chief Bunty Onuigbo, South East Zonal Secretary of APC and member of the APC Elders Forum in Anambra, spoke on behalf of the stakeholders.
Addressing the press, Onuigbo stated: “This is nothing but an act of anti-party, and it is detrimental. By empowering members of other political parties at the expense of the APC in Anambra State, Mr President is not supporting party loyalty.
“Does Mr. President want a mass defection of APC members in Anambra to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)? Is he indirectly working for APGA in Anambra State?”
However, Mr Sly Ezeokenwa, a factional National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), commended the nomination of Odumegwu-Ojukwu as a minister-designate.
Ezeokenwa said the decision of Tinubu is audacious and laudable.cHe said: “Bianca is one of the most revered members of the party; very iconic; a woman with sterling qualities; wife of our foremost national leader.
“In life and death, we have an external leader, the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu; and he is our spiritual leader because APGA is not your regular political party.
“I wish to commend Tinubu for making such a laudable and audacious move.”
He said he had previously made calls on the need for the president to form a strong cabinet of technocrats who would drive his agenda effectively.
He continued: “I can tell that the economy of this country has taken the brunt for the past few years; nobody can shy away from the fact that Nigerians are suffering.
“No matter how one wants[ to play politics, the president has come out on different fora to admit that he understands the pains and agony of Nigerians: so, he understands the reality; the inflation trend is worrisome.
“In trying to turn things around, you must look beyond your party men; you must go beyond partisan politics; you go beyond party affiliations; fish out credible Nigerians who have what it takes; those technocrats and eggheads who can make a difference.
“Because at the end of the day, it is all about Nigerians; I want Tinubu to succeed; because if he succeeds, Nigeria will succeed; if he succeeds, the level of hunger in the country will wane.”
The New Diplomat reports that Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a Nigerian politician, diplomat, lawyer, businesswoman and beauty pageant titleholder.
She is a widow of late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. She is a multiple international pageant titleholder, having won Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Miss Africa, and Miss Intercontinental.Formerly a presidential advisor, she was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain in 2012.
