He said the antecedents of such party stakeholders showed clearly that they should not be taken seriously as their style of politics over the years, had been that of antagonism, hate and bitterness.
This, Okpala said, had no place in contemporary politics as the country and indeed the APC had passed that pedestrian level of political bitterness and antagonistic.
He said in spite of the criticisms, Ganduje remained a modern political messiah who stood eminently on the robust platform of decorum, respect and love for the people.
“He exudes love, faith, joy and happiness and he is committed to letting such pristine virtues to permeate Nigeria’s political orbit.
“Ganduje is a man who has seen it all, he is father to all and that is why the APC national leadership decided to make him the party’s national chairman,” Okpala said.
He explained that the essence was for him to be a unifying factor and a stabiliser who would use his wealth of experience in resolving political differences.
He said Ganduje since he assumed office, had impacted positively on the fortunes and image of the party in the current dispensation.
According to Okpala, what Ganduje has done since he came on the saddle, is to unite and not to divide as is being alleged in some quarters.
He, however, maintained that Ganduje would not be distracted by the likes of such party stakeholders who saw noting good in his leadership style.
He stressed that the APC under Ganduje, would continue to focus on building love, peace, internal party democracy and forthrightness in all political dealings.
He said already, the way Ganduje had brought decorum to bear in the affairs of the party, spook volumes.
This, Okpala added, was coupled with the love APC members and leaders across the country had so far shown him.
“Ganduje has been attracting awards and commendations across boards, his well-known political clout and image has gone before him to create goodwill for the APC.
“The traditional titles recently conferred on him in various parts of the country, shows how acceptable he is in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria,”he said.
He maintained that some stakeholders within the party’s fold, could therefore, not speak for the teeming Nigerians, and particularly APC members who had clearly shown their acceptance of Ganduje. (NAN
The Chairman of Northern Youth Wing Christians Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Musa Misal, has denied issuing any press statement in support of Rev Yakubu Pam, the former Northern CAN chairman, stating that their allegiance is with Rev John Joseph Hayab.
Misal in a statement issued to journalists said some people wrote an earlier statement and asked him to sign, but he refused because he was present when the State Chairmen in the 19 Northern States and FCT elected Rev John Joseph Hayab as their leader.
“I was present, live and direct when the State Chairmen and Secretaries, together with Christian Stakeholders, elected Rev Joseph John Hayab as chairman, an election that has brought joy and relief to many Christians in the region,” he said.
The Northern States YOWICAN and the general public should disregard the fake statement. We are children of God who will give account before God on the day of Judgement.
“I, therefore, wish to disassociate myself from the “Northern CAN Youth Wing Stands Firm for REV Pam ” press statement and also appeal to any of my colleagues that has allowed anyone to use him to stop henceforth.
“My appeal also goes to the former leaders to stop the desperation and join the joy of the moment with Rev Hayab as our New Chairman,” he added.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, their arrest follows credible intelligence linking them to fraudulent internet activities.
”Items recovered from them include seven exotic cars, laptop computers and phones.
”They have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.
“As in the previous days, the night was quiet, and the pope is now resting,” a spokesman said.
The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church has been in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for two weeks, where he is being treated for a severe bilateral pneumonia.
In recent days, Francis’ condition had slightly improved, according to official reports. Sources close to him revealed in the evening that he was “out of the most critical phase.”
The pope is receiving medication along with physiotherapy aimed at easing the respiratory infection, he is repeatedly being provided with extra oxygen through a face mask or a nasal tube.
This therapy is evidently effective as since the weekend, Francis has had no breathing difficulties, according to official reports. His blood values have also improved.
However, a discharge is not expected soon: “Given the complexity of the medical condition, further days of clinical stability are required,” an evening bulletin stated.
The pontiff has now been in hospital for longer than ever. Doctors still emphasise how dangerous such a severe pneumonia is at Francis’ age.
He was elected as the head of the Church in March 2013, succeeding the German Benedict XVI. Francis is now the second oldest pope in history.(dpa)
