Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The newly-inaugurated Unity Caretaker Committee of the Benue State chapter of All Progressive Congress has promised to ensure fairness, justice and equity in order for the party becomes great again.
This was contained in the speech delivered by the chairman of the Benue APC Caretaker Committee, Chief Benjamin Omale at the party secretariat today.
Omale also praised President Bola Tinubu for the fatherly role he played in bringing peace to the APC in Benue State, stressing that he deeply cherished this singular act of Mr. President and promised to work diligently towards reconciling and uniting all the various members of the party in Benue state.
He also appreciated the national Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and other members of the National Working Committee of the party for rising to the occasion at this critical moment by salvaging the APC in Benue from near collapse. .
Also, the caretaker chairman who specially appreciated the executive governor of Benue, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth. I. Alia, stated that he had changed the narrative of things in Benue state since its creation. “The peoples Governor, we shall do all within our power to make sure APC in Benue state becomes great again” he said.
Omale who also appreciated the SGF, Senator George Akume stated that: “As many of you are aware, our party in Benue State has been grappling with internal crises for some time now. These challenges have regrettably led to a fragmentation within our ranks, with the emergence of factions that have weakened our unity and, by extension, our collective strength as a political force. This situation has been a cause of concern not just for us at the state level but also for our party’s leadership at the national level”
He noted that the NWC of the party after
recognizing the gravity of this situation has during its meeting held on Wednesday, 21st August, 2024, took a decisive action to rescue the party from the brink of total collapse. “The NWC, in its wisdom, dissolved the Benue State chapter of the APC and constituted a Unity Caretaker Committee, with a clear mandate to restore unity and stability to our party in the state” he added.
The speech reads in parts:
1. Today, I wish to address several crucial points that are pivotal for our success as a party and as a collective force in Benue State.
2. Firstly, I want to express my gratitude for the confidence that you, the members of our great party, have reposed in this committee. Confidence is the bedrock upon which effective leadership is built. It is your trust that will empower us to make the necessary strides in enhancing our party’s visibility, relevance, and effectiveness in the political landscape of Benue State. We are committed to upholding this trust by steering our party towards greatness through integrity, hard work, and commitment.
3. Secondly, it is vital that we focus on reconciling aggrieved parties within our ranks. We recognize that, at times, differences may arise, leading to misunderstandings that can fracture our unity. It is our duty to reach out, listen, and mend these rifts. Let us harness the power of dialogue and understanding, for it is only through reconciliation that we can emerge stronger and more united. Together, we must heal, listen and collaborate to ensure that every voice is heard.
4. Thirdly, in all our endeavors, we will uphold the principles of fairness, justice, equity, and transparency. These values are not just ideals; they are the guiding principles that will steer the actions of this committee. We must endeavor to create an environment where every member feels valued and respected. Every decision we make will be rooted in these principles, as we work to uphold the dignity and integrity of our party.
5.Fourthly, as we prepare for the forthcoming Local Government Area elections in our state, it is critical that we select the right candidates. Our choice of candidates will reflect our values and vision for Benue State. We must seek individuals who are not only competent and experienced but also carry the aspirations of our communities at heart. Together, we will ensure that our candidates embody our collective goals and that their selection is transparent and inclusive.
6. Fifthly, our strength lies in our unity. It is imperative that we come out as a unified and united party in Benue State. A divided house cannot stand, and our success in the upcoming elections hinges on our ability to present a front that is cohesive and resolute. Together, let us work towards building bridges, fostering collaboration, and celebrating our shared goals. “Great things in business are never done by one person; they are done by a team of people”
7. Lastly, we must focus on the restoration of confidence in our party structures. It is essential that every member believes in the mechanisms and processes of our party. Transparency, communication, and accountability will be our guiding lights. We will work to ensure that everyone feels connected to the party’s mission and motivated to contribute to our shared objectives.
8. In conclusion, I want to specifically thank our youths for listening to the voice of reason by not participating in the recent national protest. I want to confirm to you that you have distinguished yourselves in all ramifications and we are indeed proud of you. I urge each one of you to join hands with this committee. Let us cultivate a spirit of teamwork, mutual respect, and dedication. Together, we can overcome any challenges that lie ahead and steer the APC in Benue State towards renewed vigor and success.
9. Let us embark on this journey with optimism and determination. The future is bright, and together, we will shine.