Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has thrown his weight behind the Governor Abubakar Bello-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

Akeredolu declared that only a few “Yahoo, Yahoo Governors” are with the ousted chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni.

The Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum stated that the path taken lately by Governor Buni with a few others was embarrassing.

Akeredolu, in a statement made available to The Star on Thursday, stated that with the ouster of Buni, the ruling party has survived a Civilian Coup largely inspired by mischief and incurable lust for power through artificial barricades.

Governor Mai Mala BuniHis words: “Without being immodest, APC’s birth was a novel instance. The party’s philosophical beacon woven around its ideological leaning was alluring.

“Undoubtedly, the firm leadership, candour and honesty exemplified by Mr. President who heads the administration that is the product of the APC deserve no less of support and complimentary responsibilities from all stakeholders.

“The installation of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC was beyond a call to service. It was a child of necessity moulded to one, instil discipline in leadership and engender coherence among stakeholders and more importantly, to deepen the Rule of Law in our party.

“However, the insidious and appalling happenings within our party in the last few months, especially under the immediate-past leadership clearly posit a huge embarrassment. Without necessarily dwelling on details that are known to critical stakeholders, the path taken lately by Governor Mai Mala Buni, the immediate past head of the CECPC and an indivisible few, is a unenviable trajectory undeserving of our dear party. It is a disdainful narrative.

READ ALSO: El-Rufai: How Buni plotted against APC convention

“Nevertheless, the courage and determination as well as shrewd sincerity of purpose demonstrated by most of the APC Governors remain a delight. Significantly, the swift response and prompt action taken by Mr. President have, in no small means, salvaged our great party from internal scavengers. We, indeed, survived a Civilian Coup largely inspired by mischief and incurable lust for power through artificial barricades.

“Succinctly, aside feeling very delighted as a major stakeholder in the latest successful rescue mission, I express my confidence in the ability and capacity of Governor Sanni Bello (ABU LOLO) to take APC through.

“We, the Governors, are for the party except for the few “Yahoo, Yahoo” Governors” (apologies to Salihu, former DG of the Progressive Governors’ Forum) who were hand in glove with Buni to circumvent the will of majority of our party (APC) members. Progressive Governors in the true name, mostly all of us, are determined to see our party through these patchy parts at all cost.

“None of the scanty number has the guts to carry out their imaginary threats as reported in sponsored stories. We dare them to leave the party. Their short-lived antics in arm-twisting Governor Buni and probably, some pocket-filling elements within the corridors of power to supplant the President’s will through fake letters, endorsements as well as ‘Black Market’ injunction (procured since November, 2021) are despicable.

“Now that the clear motive aimed at frustrating our national convention has been botched, our dear party is on the track to greatness. Gov. Sanni Bello, ABU LOLO, carry on; you have the backing of the majority of us. You shall see our full backing come Thursday, 17th March, 2022 at the National Executive Committee meeting.

“But as you know, this is only for the conduct of the National Convention.”

The Star