Buni returns from medical trip, retakes APC

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has returned to the country after his medical trip abroad to retake leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

This is also the APC leader declared as valid all actions taken by the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bello in his absence, stating that they are in order.

A statement issued by his Director General, Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed in Damaturu on Thursday, also quoted Buni as appealing to all party members to remain calm and law abiding.

While he was away, some sections of the party had executed a ‘coup’ which saw the Niger State Governor assume the party leadership position in an acting capacity, while also reconstituting the various sub-committees of the National Convention.

Buni was accused of plotting to elongate his tenure as chairman of the party using the National Convention as platform to achieve the plot.

However, an appeal by President Muhammadu Buhari, earlier in the week, urged all members to sheathe their swords while endorsing the leadership of Buni.

“Put the recent events in the party behind you and work towards a successful convention.

“The success of the party remains paramount and needs the support of every member.

“As we head towards the national convention, the party needs the support of every stakeholder and member to succeed.

“As democrats and committed party members, we should avoid issues that are capable of diverting our attention from the path of success,” he said.

Buni said it was a waste of time to hold grudges against individuals involved in the recent happenings in the party, saying grudges were detrimental to the success of a party.

He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the amicable resolution of recent misunderstanding in the party.

“We appreciate the good leadership role played by Mr President in resolving the recent events to keep a united and strong APC,” he said.

Buni said that all actions taken by the APC CECPC under Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger, who was the acting chairman, remained valid and binding.

“I duly transmitted power to His Excellency the Niger Governor, Muhammed Sani Bello.

“Therefore, all actions and measures taken by the committee under his leadership as acting chairman, remain valid and binding,” he said.