By Sule Ahmed Oyofo, Publisher/Chief Executive.
Immediate past governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was the cynosure of all eyes as the All-Progressive Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) successfully inaugurated 61-member Contact and Strategy Committee. According to a press release signed by National Secretary John Akpanudoehede, the committee was part of efforts by the CECPC to rebuild and reposition the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. The committee as inaugurated by CECPC Chairman; Governor Mai Mala Buni on Tuesday has Governor Muhammed Badaru of Jigawa State as chair while Ikechi Emenike will serve as secretary.
The appearance of His Excellency Akinwunmi Ambode at the venue was heralded with instant shouts of joy and jubilation as everyone struggled to catch a glimpse of him.
Mr. Ambode has largely maintained a dignified silence since his undemocratic treatment during his re-election bid for the second term. That faction of the APC has since gone ahead to sideline and kept him at arm’s length.
The latest was when during the inauguration of the Agege-Pen Cinema Flyover Bridge, a prominent member of the APC tried to disparage his character. But he was instantly checkmated by a deluge of response advising him to leave Ambode alone.
Now, therefore, the appointment of the same Ambode into the Contact and Strategy committee is seen as the rising profile of the man recognized by the Federal Government as an excellent performer and achiever.
Besides Ambode had kept a dignified quiet even as he was sorely provoked and taunted by the APC faction who tried unsuccessfully to erode his achievements in Lagos. “What you just witnessed is a confirmation that God never sleeps”, said one Rafiu Abdullahi, staff at the APC secretariat where the inauguration held. “Ambode has been a likable personality with good character and humility” he stated wondering why they tried to antagonize him.
Conspicuously absent at the inauguration where two newly received members Hon. Dimeji Bankole and Gbenga Daniel were present are former National Chairman Adams Oshiomole and his irks. Adams Oshiomole was the arrowhead of the disgraceful conduct of the 2018 governorship primary that schemed Ambode out of office. “That’s the irony of life”, said another fellow Ibrahim Azeez. “Today it is your turn and tomorrow it is another”, he stressed