Southwest leaders back Oyegun, Banire, berate Frank

Leaders of the Southwest geo-political zone yesterday lauded the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun for the sanity, sense of direction and unity of purpose in the party.

A statement signed by the Chairman, APC Southwest Leaders Forum, Gboyega Afolabi, described Odigie-Oyegun as an example of honesty, simplicity and humility, as well as a thoroughbred administrator and extraordinary organiser of men.

The group praised the APC National Working Committee (NWC) at a gathering of prominent Southwest politicians in Lagos for not abandoning the party’s ideals for the selfish interests of some individuals.

It said the national leadership of the party was doing its best to reposition the party.

They also praised Odigie-Oyegun for his pragmatic leadership, purposeful administration and uncommon vigour.

Afolabi commended him for promoting the Nigerian identity to the realms of unimpeachable greatness, maintaining the sanctity of democracy in the country, defending Nigeria and it people and taking politics to a higher level.

“Oyegun is an epitome of service, a man of integrity, one of the nation’s finest political strategists and a man of incomparable moral virtue,” the statement said.

The leaders, however, condemned the suspended National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party, Timi Frank and his ‘sponsors’ for what they described as a campaign of calumny against Oyegun.

“APC has regard for public opinion and the wishes of the people. Frank’s arguments smack of rudeness, arrogance and a pull down syndrome. He and his sponsors are ready to drag the APC down.”

They leaders who distanced themselves from the suspension of the party’s national legal adviser, Muiz Banire, also praised the NWC for nullifying his suspension.

The group described Banire’s suspension by some ‘strange individuals’ in Mushin council area as a kangaroo suspension.

They urged Nigerians to disregard Frank’s comments and called on lovers of the APC, democracy and the country to support Oyegun to enable him succeed in his assignment.