Adams Oshiomhole was yesterday inaugurated as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC at the end of the party’s National Convention held at Eagles Square, Abuja.
Oshiomhole was sworn in by Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice following a motion moved by Ibrahim Manusa, a delegate from Jigawa State dissolving the John Oyegun led National leadership of APC.
The new APC National Chairman was affirmed winner by delegates at convention before voting commenced, having contested unopposed. Also, National Secretary of APC, Mai Buni who was re-elected unopposed took oath office shortly before the National Chairman.
In performance of his official assignment, Oshiomhole swore in other National and Zonal officials elected at the convention.
These include, Emma lbediro, National Organizing Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary, Adamu Fanda, National Treasurer, George Muoghalu, National Auditor, Abubakar Nai Shaya, National Youth Leader, Babatunde Ogala, National Legal Adviser, Salamatu Umar, National Woman Leader amongst others.
In his acceptance Speech, Oshiomhole said he would resume work the next day (Monday) as there was no time to waste considering the task ahead.
He promised to work with all stakeholders to reform, reposition and revitalized the party not only for electoral successes but to provide the change promised Nigerians and declared that there were, “no losers as all contestants were winners,” hence called for synergy in the party.
The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has however challenged the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to immediately submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruption allegations hanging on his neck.
The party said Oshiomhole lacks the rectitude to speak in public as a leader at any level, until he clears the allegations that he diverted billions of naira meant for the people of Edo State while he was governor.
PDP noted that since the petition against him at the EFCC is in the public domain, the newly elected national chairman would do the APC, Buhari Presidency, the anti-graft agency as well as himself a lot of good by quietly submitting himself for investigation and possibly, prosecution.
A statement on Sunday by Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP National Publicity Secretary, reads: “Since one of the campaign footstool upon which APC was elected into office is fighting corruption, it will be incongruous for Oshiomhole to go about his new assignment with allegation of corruption, even as tiny as a strand of hair.
“It is also instructive for the new chairman to understand that Nigerians are no longer inclined to sophistry, illogical arguments, deceits, contrivance and recourse to abuse as a method of campaign.
“As such, the PDP would be prepared for engagements that have the potency of rescuing our people from the hunger and starvation which the APC has sunk them.
“However, the essence of Oshiomhole’s emergence as President Muhammadu Buhari’s sole candidate was not lost on Nigerians as the Presidency imposed him as a pliable instrument to frustrate other would-be presidential aspirants of APC extraction and hand the ticket to President Buhari, who, obviously is afraid to stand a presidential primary due to his failures in office”.
