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 loyalists.
The Initiator and Co-Convener of the group, Iretidola Ojekhoa, gave the advice at an award night organised by the group on Friday in Abuja.
Ojekhoa said that 2014 marked the beginning of a political revolution and a watershed in party politics in Nigeria–when APC, a newly formed party, defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which thought it would rule for at least 60 years.
She, however, said that most of those who worked for the party had 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 seems 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 recognising 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, recognised its loyal members.’’
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 took up prominent places.
“We see that their resilience is being tested and hope deferred has begun 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.’’
Ojekhoa said that the event was to celebrate 10 years of loyalty of certain groups and individuals in APC who had 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 could not be appointed but they deserved to be recognised and celebrated.
The President, Amalgamated Nigerians, and a Chieftain of the party in FCT, Mr Ateli Emmanuel, commended the group for recognising him as one of those that deserved the award.
Emmanuel, who expressed confidence in the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, advised him to engage more youth and technocrats in his government.
Another awardee, Mr Aja Aja, a lawyer, said it was unfortunate that the party had failed to recognise loyal members, adding that the award ceremony would serve as succour 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 Agenda of the present administration.
On one year of the present government in office, Aja urged Tinubu to prioritise people’s welfare and implement his core policies that would make people to begin to see evidence of good governance going forward.
He also advised government to harness all the potential 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.
Founder/National Coordinator, Asiwaju Progressive Forum, Dr Adewale Adeogun, advised Tinubu’s supporters not to lose 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 included Taminu Kabir, Edo Bartholomeus, Obi Kenneth, Hussain Badaki and Hawal Kabir.(NAN)