Renewed Hope Unity Movement, a support group of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has advised the party to establish a better reward system for its loyalties.
The Initiator and Co-Convener of the group, Iretidola Ojekhoa, gave the advice at an award night organised by the group on Friday night in Abuja.
Ojekhoa said that 2014 marked beginning of a political revolution and a watershed in party politics in Nigeria, when the APC, a newly formed party, defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who though it would rule for at least 60 years.
She, however, said that most of those who worked for the party were yet to be rewarded, even when there were very experienced and professional patriots among them.
“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 APC seem not interested in molding 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,” she said.
Ojekhoa said unfortunately many who worked and still working daily were never recognised but watch others who they fought against at one point or another over party matter; take prominent places.
“We see that their resilience is being tested and hope deferred has began to make the heart weary. And so we are standing in the gap and doing a little of what the party should have long done, as a start in the journey of desired unity of purpose.
“As stated above, we have never promoted the idea of exclusivity in governance;
“However, everything is wrong with the Open Sesame mentality whereby all shades of characters are given pride of place over and above those who sacrificed all to get the party to the position it is today,” she said.
Ojekhoa said that the event was to celebrate 10 years of loyalty of certain groups and individuals in APC who have never been celebrated, recognised or honoured, yet remained unwavering.
She said that some of those to be honoured were foot soldiers who canvassed the nooks and crannies of the nation 10 years ago, dispensing hope and mobilising support for the APC.
“We are here to celebrate those who have labored for the party for these 10 years, but never got a pat on the back.
“It is also to remind those who have conveniently forgotten their labour of love that our loyal members are still around though neglected,” she said.
Ojekhoa said that though every members of the party who worked for it victory cannot be appointed, but they deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
Mr Ateli Emmanuel, the President, Amalgamated Nigerians, and a Chieftain of Abuja in FCT, 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 advise 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.
Dr Adewale Adeogun, Founder/National Coordinator, Asiwaju Progressive Forum, 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.(NAN)
