Peeved by the recent castigation of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun
by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders
in the South-South geo-political zone have risen in defence of the national
chairman, describing the recent attack on him as a ploy to whip up sentiment
that would make the national chairman unpopular.
They also accused the former Lagos State governor of
working tooth and nail to cause disunity within the party.
Rising from a meeting in Port Harcourt on Saturday,
the leaders who described the allegations as “unimaginable, unthinkable and
cheap propaganda” said Tinubu and his collaborators were executing a plan to
discredit and hang Oyegun.
“It’s obvious that the intention of Tinubu and his
associates is to destroy Oyegun completely apparently because they consider him
an obstacle in their life mission to control the machinery of the party and its
members” the leaders alleged.
They fired shot at those calling for Oyegun’s
resignation, describing the call as an irresponsible vendetta.
The leaders accused the former Lagos State governor
of resorting to cheap blackmail, blatant lies and diversionary tactics.
“We perceive
the attack on Oyegun as a political showdown to settle political scores”
In a statement in Port-Harcourt, the leaders acknowledged
Tinubu’s role in the emergence of Oyegun as national chairman, expressing
surprise at the action of the former Lagos State governor.
Signed by the Chairman
of APC, South-South Leaders Forum, Chief John Harry, the leaders urged Tinubu
not to scuttle the ship of APC progress in the country.
They praised Oyegun for his dynamic leadership,
outstanding contribution and commitment to the development of the party and the
country.
“Tinubu is the arrow head of a dark and abhorrent
conspiracy meant to destroy the national chairman at all cost”.
Oyegun, an accomplished administrator, having risen
to become permanent secretary after putting 13 years into service emerged as
the first civilian governor of Edo State in 1992 under the platform of the
Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was a leader of the All Nigeria People’s
Party (ANPP).
“We as a people cannot but admire a man of Oyegun’s
style, capacity and stature. We identify with him” they said.
They commended him for stamping his unique leadership
style in the management of the party, his roles
in the change going on in the party and the steps that are essential to its
future.
“His life is a
flowing tribute to excellence. He believes in the enthronement of good and
quality leadership” they said.
“John
Odigie Oyegun is humble, gentle and genial to the core. He is also
honest, kind and selfless. He has taken principled
positions on a wide range of party issues. His leadership style has earned him
the gratitude and admiration of many while his conviction and willingness to
speak out with a clear voice make him the best national chairman in the country”
they said.
“The national
chairman has been an outstanding beacon of reason and understanding of Nigeria’s
government and politics. He has helped to reshape party politics in the country.
His outstanding leadership is appreciated by Nigerians from all walks of life”
The leaders hailed the Edo governorship election,
describing Obaseki’s victory as a sign of further success of the party in the
country.
They also berated Comrade Timi
Frank, others for blackmailing Oyegun.
They appealed to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and others to
support Oyegun in his determination to consolidate the party in the struggle to
capture power in Ondo State.
They assured party faithful that the national
chairman would not be distracted in his God assigned role of developing the
party and working for the change agenda of the Buhari
administration in the country.
“Chief Oyegun has never acted against the party's
interests” the leaders said.
“Timi and his associates represent
everything that must not be seen in a democratic organization. They do not mean well
for APC” the statement said.
“Oyegun remains a democrat who values the unity, stability
and orderly development of the APC” the leaders said.
They advised him to
disregard the antics of Tinubu,
Timi
and others.
Alhaji Taiwo
Ganiyu
Media Assistant
08035486101
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