Akande heads APC reconciliation c’ttee to address grievances

TRACKING_____Given the criticisms that trailed the setting up of the National Reconciliation Committee (NRC) to resolve the crises rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the ruling party have finally reconstituted the committee.

The membership of the reconciliation committee was increased from 10 to 12, just as the former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, was yesterday made the chairman of the committee.

The committee, which was earlier constituted by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), last year had 10 members, with Senate President Ahmad Lawan as chairman.

However, some party members and states criticised the membership and leadership of the committee.

In a statement announcing the reconstitution of the committee, APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu said President Buhari and the leadership of APC have reviewed the membership of the party’s National Reconciliation Committee.

The 12-member reconstituted committee has the following as members: Chief Bisi Akande (Chairman), Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello; Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola; Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase.

Other members are former governors and serving Senators Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa) and Kashim Shettima (Borno); Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor; Alhaji Nasiru Aliko Koki; Senators Khairat Gwadabe-Abdulrazak, Binta Garba and John Enoh (Secretary).

“The committee is empowered to address grievances of party members across the country and resolve existing conflicts, all with a view to fostering oneness, strengthen the party for better governance and ensure unity of purpose within the party,” Onilu said.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has applauded the reconstitution of the APC National Reconciliation Committee, expressing confidence that the committee will deliver on its mandate to restore peace and unity in the party.

In a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, said the state government is “grateful to President Buhari for putting together a committee of persons with proven integrity and the forthrightness needed to deliver on this very sensitive national assignment.