Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has insisted that he is still the All Progressives (APC) caretaker chairman despite development on Monday which saw Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello overseeing party’s affairs.
Buni’s media aide, Mohammed Mamman told 21st CENTURY CHRONICLE on phone that his boss remained the chairman, adding that Buni is in Germany and would return to the country soon.
He said his boss went on medical treatment and his absence, Bello stepped in as acting governor.
Mamman said, “He went for treatment abroad and his deputy, the Governor of Niger State took over party affairs.”
Earlier on Monday, the CECPC secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe had said there is no change of leadership at the party secretariat following media reports of Buni’s alleged sack which he described as fake news.
Amid the denials however, Bello seems to be settling down as party’s acting chairman even though the role appeared strange to some party officials who said the Akpanudoedehe, had always overseen the daily operations of the party in Buni’s absence.
Bello received zoning committee reports, swears in states chairmen
Governor Bello performed critical party assignments on Monday when he received report of the zoning committee ahead of the March 26 national convention.
The acting chairman also inaugurated state chairmen of the party and issued certificates to them.
The report of the zoning committee was submitted by its chairman, Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State during a meeting of the CECPC presided over by Governor Bello.
Other members of the zoning panel are Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Prof. Etim Nyong, Dr. M.B. Shehu, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Senator Teslim Folarin, Alhaji Sadeeq Sanni and Anambra State Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke, who is secretary.
In submitting the report, the committee was able to meet the deadline given to it by the party leadership. The report of the committee was however yet to be made public.
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, had earlier hinted that positions earlier held by the north will now go to the south and vice versa.
I have Buhari, governors’ blessing
Speaking after receiving the report, Bello said his role in the CECPC had the President’s blessing.
When asked if the happenings at the Secretariat had the blessing of the President, he said: “Of course”.
Bello also said that he has the backing of his colleagues at the Progressive Governors Forum in his new assignment.
“Most of my colleagues are here to support me to receive the report. You know the zoning committee report is a very important one. And all the governors here are here to support me. Now, at the zonal level, they can go and do their work.”
