APC govs, chieftains, others parley on strengthening democracy

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abass, alongside the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are set to explore ways to strengthen democratic rule in the country.

The symposium, holding on Tuesday, is part of activities lined up to mark the 1st anniversary of the inauguration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively.

The gathering will bring together serving and non-serving governors, members of the National Assembly to be led by the Deputy Senate President, cabinet members, APC leaders across the state, and major support groups.

A statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Coordinator of the National Progressives Hub (NPH), Hon. Bukky Okangbe, explained that the symposium would provide an opportunity to proffer solutions that will further strengthen party administration, deepen democracy, and uphold democratic ethos.

He explained that recommendations from the symposium, which holds at the Ladi Kuwali International Conference Centre, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, will be forwarded to the party’s newly established Progressive Institute as part of the NPH contributions towards strengthening the nation’s fledgling democracy.

He disclosed that the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Baze University, Abuja, and political commentator, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, will be presenting a keynote address titled “Political Party Leadership in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”

Other eminent Nigerians and leaders of the party scheduled to discuss the paper include the former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) and foundation member of the party, Mr. Osita Okechukwu; former National Secretary of the party, Arch. Waziri Bulama; and Barrister Alphonsus Eba Ogar, APC Cross River State Chairman and the Secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen.

He further stated that the Deputy President of the Senate will chair the occasion, while the Speaker; the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi; and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, are special guests.

He added that Ganduje is the Chief Host, while Coordinating State Governors and top party leaders are expected to give goodwill messages.