Our party loyalists deserve better reward system, group tells APC

Our party loyalists deserve better reward system, group tells APC

Joel Oladele, Abuja 

A group, under the aegis of Renewed Hope Unity Movement (RHUM), has called on the All Peoples Congress (APC) to better recognize and reward the loyalty of its steadfast but neglected members. 

The Initiator and Co-Convener of the group , Iretidola Ojekhoa made the appeal on Friday, while delivering her speech at an award night organized to celebrate a decade of political camaraderie and service.

The gathering aimed to reminisce over the past decade, solidify bonds forged in political battles, and address the perceived neglect by the party towards its loyal members.

Reflecting on the significance of 2014, Ojekhoa noted it as a watershed moment in Nigerian politics when the APC, an opposition party, successfully unseated the long-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). 

“2014 marked a watershed in party politics in Nigeria. It was the beginning of a political revolution that would for the very first time see an opposition party win the ruling party in a contest defined by many twists and turns. Millions of Nigerians mobilized to kick out the behemoth called PDP which had boasted that it would be in charge for at least 60 years. 

“Complete strangers enlisted in the struggle and became buddies in the trenches of political battles. Each of us lost friends, even relations; we lost opportunities; we lost goodwill. But we were not fazed. A man acting on conviction never bothers with occasional deprivations and inconveniences……he is one-dimensional, eyes fixed only on the goal. It was Ken Blanchard who said that “when you are interested in something, you do it only when it is convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuse, only results.”

Despite the historic victory, Ojekhoa expressed disappointment over the current state of the APC, criticizing its failure to nurture and reward its core supporters. 

“Happily, we knew we had very experienced and professional patriots in our midst. Of course we knew that the scope of the problems facing the nation demanded a cross-political approach as no single party had exclusive patents on solution, but we were hopeful that the best of the our party would be conscripted to do battle as it is in other nations worldwide, with a very little inclusion of others (not the other way round). 

“The nation of course needs people who not only want to be appointed but who are passionate about the Apc government succeeding against all odds, considering the many ulcers plaguing the nation.

“The last ten years have proven one thing: the All Peoples Congress seems not interested in moulding and maintaining an organic membership. In fact, it has spawned a mercenary mentality among members as the party has been abysmal in recognizing and rewarding loyalty. The APC of today is so unconcerned or unaware about the neglect of its core supporters that commitment ebbs so fast among members. Even the worst of the PDP days, recognized its loyal members,” Ojekhoa expressed.

She acknowledged his own recognition by the party through various roles, including his involvement with the Buhari Support Organization and the Buhari Media Organization. However, she emphasized that her concern was not about personal recognition but about the collective contributions of countless loyal members who have been overlooked. “We are here to celebrate those who have labored for the party for these 10 years, but never got a pat on the back,” she declared.

Speaking further, Ojekhoa criticized the APC’s approach to governance and the war against corruption, pointing out that recent defectors from the opposition have been given preferential treatment despite evidence of corruption. “Even the war against corruption has been infected so much so that opposition members who strolled into the party recently are accorded some sort of immunity,” she noted.

Addressing newmen at the event, the President, Amalgamated Nigerians, and a Chieftain of APC, Mr Ateli Emmanuel,

commended the group for recognising him as one of those that deserve the award.

Emmanuel who expressed confidence in the President Tinubu led administration, advised him to engage more youth and technocrats in his government.

Another awardee, Mr Aja N. Aja, a lawyer, said it was unfortunate that the party has failed to recognise loyal members, the award ceremony would serve as a succor to many.

Aja expressed the willingness of some of the committed party members to partner with government to move the country forward and achieve the renew hope of the present administration.

On one year of Tinubu government in office, Aja urged Tinubu to prioritise peoples welfare and implement his core policies that would make people to begin to see evidence of good governance going forward.

He also advised government to harness all the potentials at its disposal and look beyond what he currently has.

“There are so many talents in Nigeria, both political talents and professional talents, get them on board and see that the Renewed Hope agenda is not an aborted dream,” he said.

The Founder/National Coordinator, Asiwaju Progressive Forum, Dr Adewale Adeogun, advised Tinubu’s supporters not to loss hope but continue to support him and his administration to succeed.

“Yes there are people who feel they should be appointed, but we should be more concerned about how this country is governed,” Adeogun advised.

Other recipients of the group award in recognition of a decade of service to APC and Nigeria include Taminu Kabir, Edo Bartholomeus, Obi Kenneth, Hussain Badaki, Hawal Kabir.