BY BENEDICT NWACHUKWU, ABUJA
A member of APC Appeals Commitee for the Local Government Congresses, Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon has called on aggrieved members of the party to exhaust the internal democratic mechanisms for dispute resolution before taking their matter to court.
Obahiagbon made the call on Wednesday during the inauguration of the party’s LG congresses appeals committee at the party’s national secretariat, Abuja.
He said, “We thank the party for the confidence reposed on us to serve in this capacity. APC is a party that has democratic internal mechanism for resolution of any crisis and I want to plead with members who have one issue or the other to exhaust our democratic internal mechanisms before taking the matter to court.
“I want to urge any member who has a case in court to withdraw it and give the party a chance to resolve it amicably.”
The National Secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe said, “Our quest to rebuild and reposition our party had started in earnest with the Membership Registration Exercises, Ward Congresses and the just concluded Local Government Congresses.
“Of course, with the sheer magnitude of these exercises there may be persons who could feel dissatisfied with the entire process.
“Therefore, in line with the Constitution of our party; and the operating guidelines for the LG Congresses, the party had set up this Appeals Committee, so that such persons may approach and ventilate their grievances through this channel.
“Our party members should not forget that this is a family affair, so as you go forth to your various states of assignment, you must ensure that fair-hearing and justice be your guiding principles.”
He noted further that it was also important to state that the party would enforce discipline and full compliance with the directives of NEC with regards to those who had taken the party to court as enshrined in Article 21D of its Constitution.
“Recall that the National Chairman of the CECPC, Governor Mai Mala Buni recently approved the constitution of a National Reconciliation Committee headed by Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.
“The Party is grateful for your sacrifices and wishes you journeying mercies to and from your various destinations,” he added.
