The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday constituted a reconciliation committee headed by the Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, to resolve the crisis in the Ekiti State chapter following the recent parallel suspensions announced by the warring factions of the party in the state in their bid to settle political scores.
The New Diplomat had reported that a faction loyal to Governor Kayode Fayemi, had announced the suspension of 12 members of the party, including Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on political matters.
On Friday, another faction of the APC in the state led by Senator Tony Adeniyi also suspended Governor Fayemi, accusing him of anti-party activities and hobnobbing with the Peoples Democratic Pary (PDP).
Recall Mr Yekini Nabena, deputy publicity secretary of the party issued a statement, Friday, on behalf of the Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni, cancelling all the suspensions.
The Caretaker Committee declared the suspensions from both sides as “nullity”, asking party members to adhere to the constitution of the APC.
However, the party has taken a pragmatic step to solve the crisis in the state chapter of the party as the Secretary of the Caretaker/Extra-ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the APC, Senator Akpan Udoedehe, on behalf of the Chairman, Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, inaugurated the reconciliation committee at the party secretariat, Abuja, on Monday.
The committee, which has the Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, as its chairman, also has retired General Lawal Jafaru Isa, former Governor Rochas Okorocha, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Ahmed Wade, retired General Buba Marwa as members, while Mr Ini Morgan will serve as secretary to the committee.
The letter of appointment of the committee members read: “I have the pleasure yo write and convey the approval of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Committee on your appointment into the Reconciliation Committee for APC in Ekiti State.
“It is our sincere belief that our party as a formally structured organisation based on rules should provide a platform for those in contestation to discuss; while realising that we must ensure the common goal which we all subscribe to, hence, this reconciliation committee.”