By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“May I appeal to supporters and well wishers across Oyo State and beyond – many of whom have bombarded my mobile lines with calls and text messages – to remain calm and be loyal to our great party as we resolve the issue politically. Let me assure you that the All Progressives Congress which I took part in writing its constitution, is a party built on the rule of law, justice and fairness. This I believe the NWC would uphold at all times.”
The Minister of Communications and Governorship Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr. Abdulraheem Adebayo Shittu, has finally reacted to the disqualification handed him by the Party’s National Secretariat, after he had been cleared to participate in the state’s governorship primary election on Sunday.
In a statement personally issued by him, copy of which was made available to The DEFENDER, Shittu simply said “This time would surely pass”.
The Agbaakin Afiwagboye of Ibadanland said he believes that the APC, which he took part in writing its constitution, is a party built on the rule of law, justice and fairness and that he was confident that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party would uphold same.
Shittu, however, refused to believe that the Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC acted any script and that, if at all it acted on one, “it is poorly written”.
He however expressed belief that the Party’s leadership was wrongly advised to disqualify him from participating in the governorship primary election in the state but advised his supporters to continue “to remain calm and be loyal to our great party as we resolve the issue politically.”
According to the Minister, the intent of the cowards behind the saga is becoming clearer by the day.
The statement read in full: “It is no longer news that I, Barrister Adebayo Shittu was purportedly disqualified from participating in Sunday’s governorship primary of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State on the baseless allegation of not possessing NYSC certificate.
“Although, I also received the news, like any other person, with shock and disbelief having successfully gone through the screening process by the Party’s Gubernatorial Screening Committee. The intent of the cowards behind the saga is becoming clearer by the day.
“May I appeal to supporters and well wishers across Oyo State and beyond – many of whom have bombarded my mobile lines with calls and text messages – to remain calm and be loyal to our great party as we resolve the issue politically.
“Let me assure you that the All Progressives Congress which I took part in writing its constitution, is a party built on the rule of law, justice and fairness. This I believe the NWC would uphold at all times.
“On the issue of NYSC, I had made my position known and there’s no need to repeat myself but I wish to further add that the position of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unambiguous on the qualification for participating in governorship election.
“I want to believe that the NWC was wrongly advised to disqualify me. I do not want to agree that a script is being acted, if at all, it is poorly written.
“On this note, I have forwarded an appeal for the NWC to review and reconsider the decision not to clear me. It is my prayer and hope that this appeal process would afford our leaders the rare opportunity to salvage our party from the potentially destructive precipice into which APC in Oyo State is being pushed by the political shenanigans of Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his cohorts, many of whom have also never served in the NYSC scheme but are also seeking new elective positions.
“I, once again, seek your understanding, calmness and loyalty to the party.
“THIS TIME WOULD SURELY PASS. God bless you all,” Shittu said.
