The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, says it has become clear that the ruling party is not one for politicians to get in and enrich themselves, adding that the ruling party is also not a sanctuary for corrupt politicians desperate for protection from security agencies.
He stated this on Thursday while receiving two prominent chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former presidential adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita Giwa and the Senator representing Cross River Central, Senator John Enoh, both of who recently announced their defection to the APC.
Expressing delight that politicians from his South-South geopolitical zone are now pitching tent with the ruling party.
Oyegun pointed out that the party would not offer sanctuary for people running away from the long arm of the law.
He said: “We welcome you to the headquarters of the APC. It is an honour that has been bestowed on only very few persons. One thing made your presence significant here. Traditionally, the South-south has been the heart of the unity and oneness of this nation, whether during the civil war or post-civil war.
“Of course, our party does not have the presence it ought to have in the South-south. So when people of your calibre join us for the struggle, we from the South-west are particularly glad and happy.
“We are in difficult times and troubling times. President Buhari is trying strenuously to rebuild the shattered economy, to diversify our economic potential which up till now most unfortunately rested solely and unintelligently on crude oil. The result of the collapsed economy in addition to the collapse in the crude oil market has disrupted our economy, which has manifested in the individual deprivations of Nigerians all over the country.
“In spite of the obvious difficulties that the nation is passing through, people like you voluntarily wanted to assist in this responsibility of helping in nation building.
“I know that those who don’t wish us well often tend to misinterpret some of these happenings as running away thinking that they would have protection from the EFCC. Of course, I am not aware in your case that anybody is harassing you with the EFCC. In any case, it is obvious and played out today that we do not offer sanctuary to anybody running from the arms of the law. The evidence is all over the place.
“I have been severally criticised for saying that the change we stand for is something that can be accomplished and completed in the life of our present four year tenure. It will not be completed even in eight years.
“The task is enormous, challenging and worth fighting for. We stand on the threshold of history. God put this nation called Nigeria together for a purpose and he does not make mistake. We have a manifest destiny.
“We thank you for volunteering to join us to work. This is not a food is ready party; that has become very clear. I thank Mama Bakassi for doing so much for your people. I want to assure the two of you that you won’t suffer any loss of status or recognition and you will occupy your proper place.”
