Onyebuchi Ezigbo
There was major security concern around the headquarters of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Abuja Tuesday during the inauguration of the party’s Board of Trustee (BoT) under the chairmanship of the former Governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sherif.
The concern was not unconnected with the raging face-off between the ex-governor and the religious sect, Boko Haram.
As a result, THISDAY learnt that the leadership of the party became apprehensive and invited men of the anti-bomb disposal unit and other special units of security forces to take charge of the premises.
Security operatives took control of the major road leading to the ANPP secretariat as well as the entrance to the building, frisking and searching every person coming into the place all through the duration of the inauguration.
Addressing party leaders at the ceremony, the ANPP National Chairman, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said the party was embarking on a new beginning with the inauguration of the BoT.
Onu while reviewing the conduct of last weekend’s governorship election in Edo State, called for the amendment of the Electoral Act to give the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) powers to determine whether deployment of the military personnel for elections would be necessary or not.
While bemoaning the non-chalant attitude of some of the party members, Onu urged them to stand firm and shun those things that tend to divide the party so as to enable it emerge as a credible alternative to the ruling party.
He said there was need for the party to re-build and open-up its doors to attract vibrant Nigerians who will help to propel the party to greater heights.
“No sacrifice will be too great to make this happen. Today’s event marks yet another milestone in the journey of our great political party towards a new beginning.
“It shows that despite challenges, we are resolved to ensuring that the ANPP remains a tireless work in progress. It shows that with determination, no obstacle can surmount the will of a people determined to succeed,” he said.
Onu charged the new BoT members to work tirelessly with the leadership of the party until the party regains her glory.
According to him, the new BoT is made up of men with credibility and interest of the party at heart which is expected to help re-build the party.
“I am happy that we have among you credible men and women who can help us in our rebuilding process. You need to help us create a new image for our party to regain greater acceptance among Nigerians. This is the singular challenge facing our great party at this stage of our history. And we want you to use your new position and exert your personal influence in ensuring that we return our great party to the position of eminence it used to enjoy,” he said.
The former Borno governor was later confirmed as the Chairman of the BoT during the inaugural meeting of the board.
Also elected was as vice-chairman of the board was retired Admiral Lanre Amosu while the ANPP National Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Musah Tumsah, is to serve as the secretary to the BoT.
Speaking to THISDAY shortly after the inauguration , Sheriff expressed optimism that ANPP will regain its lost glory and be able to challenge other parties to the leadership of the country.
“ The fact that the membership of the BoT included all past governors of the party and top leaders of the party is enough assurance that they will bring their vast political experience to bear on e affairs of the party.
“Now that they have brought all the experienced members of the ANPP to come and play a role, I am sure that the party will get to the top as envisaged,” he said.
Former governor of Yobe State and a serving Senator, Alhaji Bukar Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of other members of the BoT, lamented that the party has been through a lot problems in the past.
“There have been a lot of trouble in ANPP and every member is aware of that but what has been the issue is we have not mustered courage to tackle it.
“This party will be re-born, it is going to be a credible alternative to the ruling party. If it means not doing it alone we are going to team-up with other progressive parties to achieve that. We will do everything possible to mobilise funds to re-build the party and put it back on track,” he said.
Membership of the SNPP BoT include the former Presidential candidate of the party, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau who was absent at the inauguration.
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