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Having Missed Out In The Ministerial Battle
Amongst many APC chieftains, that is the key discussion. The question many keep asking is: How will Pres. Tinubu compensate all his key loyalists who worked for him to emerge as President and whose names were conspicuously missing on the Ministerial list.?
Initially, the issue was being discussed in hush-hush, low tones, but now, some party members have begun to talk about it in the open.
Their argument is simple. Why will Pres. Bola Tinubu dumped many of those who worked and campaigned for him intensely, during the campaigns and made those who did not take part in the campaigns at the grassroots to be Ministers?. One party member likened what is going on to when a group of people come together and contribute money to prepare dinner, and those who were not part of the process came in and ate the food.
As it is, many of Tinubu’s loyalists are looking forward to being compensated with juicy portfolios in the various parastatals. The list is l o ng and winding. There is Hon. Abiodun Faleke, Femi Fani-Kayode and former Governor Ben. Ayade. There are others like Senator Iyiola Omisore who worked for Tinubu’s emergence was the General Secretary of the party.
There are some others like Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, Abdulrahman Dambazzau, Dayo Adeyeye, B.K. Ogala (SAN), Hon. Makinde, Senator Obadara, Senator Soji Akanbi, Hon. Abike Dabiri, Hon. Okoya-Thomas and Bayo Onanuga, to mention a few. There are others like Dr. Kayode Fayemi who has taken up a job in a London University. and BRF who many had taught will eminently fit the bill.
That is why over the last few days, a lot of APC top shots have been complaining in silence. They are angry. They are unhappy. They just can’t believe that many of them who worked for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to become President have not been rewarded in the ongoing Ministerial appointments.
Before the list of the first set of Ministers were submitted to the Senate, they were hopeful. By the time they saw the list their hopes were shattered.
But their consolation was hinged on the second batch which came out last Wednesday. When the remaining list came out they were shocked.
They felt many names have been missing from the list of Minsiters. While many Nigerians praised Pres. Bola Tinubu for coming up with a list full of technocrats and competent hands, some others, who are party members feel they have been sidelined. They feel many of the nominees have come to reap where they did not sow.
As you read this, many of them are sulking. Even more pained are many of those who belong to support groups funded by them. They feel that some of those who made the list as Ministers were people who didn’t work for Asiwaju’s victory. They cite as example the appointments of Bayo Adelabu in Oyo State who was brought in from Accord and Nyesom Wike who they say once called APC a terrorist organisation, but today has made the list. According to one of the angry APC leaders who wants to remain annonymous, its obvious that APC likes to reward enemies more than real loyal members.
Miffed about the developments, some of them have taken to the social media to complain. A few days ago, a story titled Ministerial List: Why APC Support Groups: PCC, ICC Are Not Smiling was posted online. Another video was also released online a few days ago, by a group who describesd itself as the young Progressive Arm of the APC released the video directed at Tinubu reminding him that they fought vigorously to get him re-elected.
According to the online story, “the Tinubu Ministerial list has triggered a wave of reactions, with various groups expressing their dissatisfaction with the absence of key figures who played instrumental roles in the success of the government. Support groups, such as the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), are feeling neglected and undervalued as they perceive a sense of unfair treatment akin to the phrase “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop.”
These support groups worked tirelessly during the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and the Grassroots Independent Campaign Council (ICC) investing their hard-earned funds into the cause without receiving any financial support for six months. They played a crucial role in giving the campaign the necessary impetus, yet they now find themselves on the sidelines, watching others reap the benefits of their efforts.
The snubbing of the leadership of these support groups and the PCC has raised serious concerns within the ranks of party loyalists. This situation reminds them of the Buhari administration, where support groups were used and then discarded, leaving dedicated individuals feeling marginalized and unappreciated.
The absence of key figures who spearheaded the campaign and fought a hard battle for victory has particularly disappointed many.
These individuals are well-known party faithful who have consistently supported the party’s agenda”.
“The most ridiculous is the situation with the front runner organisation for the Tinubu Presidential Campaign-SWAGA and their foot soldiers in the South West with the likes of Senators Dayo Adeyeye in Ekiti, Gbenga Obadara in Ogun State, Soji Akanbi in Oyo State consigned to dustbin when it comes to rewarding them with Ministerial appointments. Their governors deprived them of their Senatorial tickets because they brought SWAGA to their states and not following their candidates in the build up to the Party Primaries”.
“They spent their resources from 2020 to date to maintain their followers, going round the South West States as well adjoining states canvassing for support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency.
“As the party faithful eagerly await the release of the next list of cabinet members, loyalists are growing increasingly concerned that those who truly understand and invest in the party’s success will continue to be overlooked. This lack of recognition is disheartening for those who dedicated their time, energy, and resources to promote the party’s ideals”.
“The support groups, PCC and ICC members believe that it is essential for the government to acknowledge their efforts and contributions by including them in key roles within the cabinet. They argue that the inclusion of individuals with a deep understanding of the party’s vision and those who have demonstrated their commitment through their tireless work would be instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Manifesto”.
“Party loyalists are calling on the government to reconsider its selection process and prioritize individuals who have proven their loyalty and dedication to the party’s cause. They believe that this approach will not only ensure the inclusivity of all key stakeholders but also create a sense of unity and motivation within the party”.
“In addition to their concerns about the absence of key figures, support groups, ICC and PCC members are also troubled by the fact that those who knew their commitment and sacrifice to the campaign are absent from the list. They argue that a more inclusive and participatory approach, which involves consultation with party members, would help to address these concerns and foster a stronger sense of trust and unity within the party”.
“The government must recognize and appreciate the efforts of those who played instrumental roles in its success. By including these individuals in key cabinet positions, the government can demonstrate its commitment to harnessing the full potential of its most dedicated members while also restoring faith and confidence in the party”.
“The upcoming release of the next list of cabinet members will undoubtedly be a critical moment for the government to address these concerns and ensure that the party’s supporters are rewarded for their unwavering dedication. Only through fair representation, inclusion, and recognition can the party foster a sense of unity, motivation, and commitment among its members. The time to act is now”.
Unfortunately, by the time the second list was released their fears were not assuaged.
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