The All Progressives Congress (APC) Rebirth Group has appealed to Yobe’s Gov. Mai Mala Buni, to consider the yearnings of majority of the party’s members for a new leadership.
Gov. Mai Mala Buni is Chairman of APC’s Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).
The group made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by Alhaji Aliyu Audu, its coordinator while congratulating Buni on his 54th birthday.
The group, also known as Concerned APC Stakeholders, prayed for more years of good health and sound mind for Buni.
It noted Buni’s stride as a politician and commended him for stepping up to the challenge of leadership at a period the APC was going through what seemed like insurmountable challenges.
“Indeed, his courage to accept that responsibility is commendable, and we thank him for his thoughtful decision.
“However, in the spirit of his birthday celebrations, which also represent a day for reflection, we call on Gov. Buni to reflect on the journey of the APC as a party so far.
“He should consider the present yearnings of majority of the party members.
“We believe that he has a chance to make history by prioritising the interest of the majority above self-interest and the general good above the good of a minority clique,’’ it stated.
It noted that Buni had done his best as the chairman of the APC CECPC, saying that party administration anywhere in the world was a demanding job that required energy and temperament.
It thanked Buni for his service to the party since he became its CECPC chairman, adding that it was time he conducted the party’s National Convention.
“We believe, however, that it is time Buni conducted the party’s National Convention and allow a new leadership to take over.
“While the issue of legality of Buni’s leadership of the party has not yet been decided, it’s our prayers that he would not await judgment, either for or against him, before doing the needful.
“We pray that God will touch his heart to save stakeholders of our party the needless acrimony and strive that his continued stay as caretaker chairman of the party is causing us.
“As APC’s former secretary and now as a caretaker chairman, it is our belief that Buni loves the party as much as any other patriotic member,’’ it said.
The group expressed optimism that Buni would hearken to the voices of reason calling on him to quit to avoid disintegration of the party.
(NAN)
