Convention Committee: How Enilolobo Made The List

In preparation for its forthcoming convention, the All Progressives Congress yesterday released a 1,562-man list under 20 sub-committees. These individuals under their various committees would be responsible for the planning and organisation of the party's congress which has been scheduled to hold March 26, 2020.

As would be expected of a credible and organised party, these committees comprise of citizens with high intellect who have, at one time or the other, served this nation either at the state or national level. The 20 sub-committees are to be headed by sitting state Governors, with the exception of 4 that are to be headed by Abubakar Malami, the AGF, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, the Deputy Speaker for the HoR, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and Abdullahi Yusuf Gushu'a, the Chief of Staff to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Yobe state Governor.

The Governors on the list include; Their Excellencies Mai Mala Buni, Abdurrazaq Abdurrahman, Hope Uzodinma, Aminu Bello Masari, Dapo Abiodun, Bello Matawalle, David Umahi, Simon Bako Lalong, Babajide Sanwo-olu, Yahya Bello, Ben Ayade, Inuwa Yahya, Badaru Abubakar, Umar Ganduje, Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai and Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum as the Chairmen of the different sub-committees. These are people of high calibre - most of whom have served and all still serving the country, the state and then party in their various capacities.

To deputise these chairmen, some other men and woman of repute were also appointed. Some of these appointees are former governors, senators, House of Representatives members, ministers, managing director etc. The eminent personalities include; Senator Andy Uba (former Governor and Senator), Sen. Bassey Otu, Barr. M. K. Abubakar (Minister of Science and Technology), Chief Niyi Akintola SAN, Rt. Hon. Oladimeji Bankole, Mohammed Bello (FCT Minister), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruq (Humanitarian Minister), Femi Fani-Kayode (former Aviation Minister), Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq (Rtd), Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha PhD (HoR Member), Nsima Ekere (MD NDDC), Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe (Deputy Governor Nasarawa State), Niyi Adebayo (former Governor Ekiti State), Abdullahi Enilolobo, Geoffrey Onyeama (Foreign Affairs Minister), Nkem Okeke (Deputy Governor, Anambra)and Babatunde Raji Fashola (former Governor, Lagos and Minister for Works).

From the above, it is crystal clear that there were very special criteria, antecedents and records considered before appointing members as Chairmen, Deputy Chairmen and Secretaries of the respective committees. It is however baffling how a person of no influence and no administrative knowledge like Abdullahi Enilolobo would emerge as Deputy Chairman of a sensitive committee - Finance to be precise. While this has been a subject of debate, Enilolobo's emergence in the committee can only be linked to the benevolence of his supposed leader turned stooge, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi. As a Senator and House committee chairman on Finance in the Senate, Yayi was appointed the Deputy Chairman on Finance for the forthcoming convention. But in order to save Enilolobo's face and by extension, create a non-existent relevance among their followers, Yayi decided to cede his position in the committee to his power drunk and domineering ally. Yayi did this to continually give his friend a pseudo sense of relevance around Alimosho as it is evident that in all ramifications, Enilolobo is inexperienced and unqualified to make the list.

Out of desperation, Enilolobo ensured Yayi relinquished his post to him. Yayi could not say No and had to do as requested. Having journeyed from the state assembly to the House of Representatives and then to the Senate, without being told, Yayi should know he is leader and not a follower to Enilolobo. Unfortunately, the senator has been badly manipulated so much that he does not know who should lead and who should follow who between himself and Enilolobo who has never held any political office.

While Yayi's large-heartedness in this regard is acknowledged, his failure to switch position with a more competent and qualified person before transferring his slot to Enilolobo is faulted. Firstly, Enilolobo is not close to being qualified to make the list and worse still is to consider a simpleton sitting as a Deputy Chairman in a committee where you have experienced sound minds like Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu amidst others as ordinary members. Let's assume, the chairman, HE Gov. Abubakar Badaru is able to attend a meeting. Can Enilolobo preside over a meeting where intelligent people would be seated as his followers? In the event that all committee chairman are to meet for updates, can Enilolobo represent his chairman? Will our dear Yayi be able to defend the shame and disgrace that await his poorly thought act of generosity?

The assignment ahead is not one where members are to go for money sharing. There are responsibilities attached to the position. Instead of celebrating over the appointment, Enilolobo and his foot soldiers should be more concerned about how he would perform in the committee and not just vain glory which may end up in national disgrace.

While Yayi wilfully transferred his position to Enilolobo, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola shamelessly ceded his membership position in the Accreditation committee to his biological son, Kabiru Aregbesola.

His insensitivity leaves one wondering about the kind of leadership these people are propagating. Why his son? Are there no competent members who can fill the slot among his followers? Obviously, Aregebsola did not learn this leadership style from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Alimosho needs responsible, selfless leaders and not some self-centered leaders who consider public offices as their family assets

Alimosho Liberation Movement