By Sodeeq Kamsela, Abuja
Prominent members of the ruling All Progress Congress, APC, are converging at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja for a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated to begin before midday.
Checks by our reporter revealed that there is a pervasive presence of security operatives around Blantyre Street in Abuja, where the meeting is slated to commence soon.
The main street and other links have been cordoned off by a combined team of armed security men.
Vehicular and human movement on Blantyre Street are also restricted.
At the time of this report, all National Working Committee, NWC, members, Forum of State Chairmen, former Zamfara Governor Sen. Abdulaziz Yari; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu were already on the ground.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to be the last dignitary to arrive, after Vice President Kashim Shetimma, Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and others.
Earlier on Wednesday, the President expressed confidence in the ability of the party’s leadership to build the nation, and significantly contribute to Africa’s growth.
Tinubu said this on Tuesday while addressing the APC Caucus meeting at the State House in Abuja.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the Renewed Hope Manifesto of the APC.
“We can steer the future of this country and make a difference. I like what is happening around the world.
” It is teaching a lesson that we, particularly Nigeria is a great African country that can build and help Africa to grow,” he said.
He underscored the importance of achieving food sovereignty and not just food security to better reposition the country as a nation with the capacity to reposition the continent.
“I am a very happy man, the sunny side of this country is on the horizon. Things are getting better, the days of gloom are gone.
”We are looking at the brighter and the sunny side of our country and our people.
He reassured the party members of his resolve to deliver despite the misleading, baseless, and pessimistic assertions made by his critics.
Tinubu noted the challenges confronting Nigerians regarding some of the policies introduced by his administration.
He said the fuel subsidy would have wrecked the country and denied citizens the opportunities to benefit from the well-intended government interventions.
“Our determination to deliver is unshaken despite the cacophony of misguided unfounded and gloomy claims on the stage of the nation made by our detractors.
”They will continue to do it but we are extremely focused,” he said.
Tinubu appealed to the APC Caucus members to further bear with his administration
”Our strategic repositioning requires us to build on our success and project a forward-looking agenda that resonates with the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians.
“I am here promising that we are doing that, I commit to our manifesto progressive ideas and the belief.”
Tinubu commended the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje for the successes recorded in various elections.
