By Our Correspondent
A coalition of prominent stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ganye Chiefdom has strongly condemned what it described as persistent verbal attacks and derogatory comments directed at the revered elder statesman, Alhaji Sadiq Mohammed Walin Ganye, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the International Peace Commission.
The stakeholders, who converged at Aljebs Hotel, Ganye, expressed deep dissatisfaction over recent comments allegedly made by one Uba Dan Arewa during an interview aired on the Facebook-based platform Arewa Voice.
Speaking on behalf of the gathering, Barr. Yusuf Jangwe, Hon. Samson Calvin, Hon. Jangiri Stephen, Alh. Baba Keke, Hannatu Harrison, Hon. Ahmadu Ali Tola, Hon. Jibril Gangjari, Hon. Chief Charles Bansi, alongside other party leaders, described the remarks as “unacceptable, disrespectful and capable of creating unnecessary division within the APC family.”
The stakeholders called on the leadership of the APC in Adamawa State, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the party’s governorship flag bearer, Tijjani Galadima, to distance themselves from the statements and call the individual to order, noting that he allegedly presents himself as their spokesperson.
According to the speakers, Ganye Chiefdom remains one of the strongest political strongholds of the APC, stressing that there is nothing wrong with Walin Ganye advocating for what they described as the legitimate aspirations of the people of the area.
“Is it a crime for Walin Ganye to ask that the APC should consider producing a Deputy Governor from Ganye Chiefdom? Is it a crime to demand the rehabilitation of the strategic road linking LCCN Junction in Ganye through Mbulo to Jada? These are demands made in the collective interest of our people and not for personal gain,” one of the speakers said.
The stakeholders praised Walin Ganye as a respected peace advocate whose humanitarian and peace-building efforts, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion, earned him international recognition and his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Peace Commission.
They described him as “a father to all, a bridge builder and a leader whose contributions to peace, politics and community development have continued to inspire many across Adamawa State and beyond.”
The gathering also recalled Walin Ganye’s role during the last Adamawa State House of Assembly bye-election in Ganye Local Government Area, claiming that his personal commitment, mobilization efforts and financial support greatly strengthened the APC’s campaign in the constituency.
The stakeholders further maintained that no individual or group has invested more of its personal resources in the growth of the APC and the development of Ganye Chiefdom than Alhaji Sadiq Mohammed Walin Ganye. They said his unwavering commitment, political sacrifices and financial support for the party and the people of Ganye remain unmatched.
Expressing their anger over the alleged remarks, the speakers stated that it was regrettable that an individual they described as having made no significant contribution to the APC or the political development of Ganye would publicly insult a respected elder statesman. They described such conduct as “the height of insolence” and called on party members to reject politics of abuse and personal attacks.
“Political differences should never translate into insults against leaders who have sacrificed immensely for the progress of the party and the development of our people,” they added.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Chief Charles Bansi dismissed claims that the individual behind the controversial remarks had any close relationship with Walin Ganye.
“If he truly knew Walin Ganye or regarded him as a father, he would have spoken with respect and decorum. Leaders of Walin Ganye’s standing deserve honour, regardless of political differences,” Bansi said.
He appealed to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, APC governorship candidate Tijjani Galadima, and Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to publicly disassociate themselves from individuals whose conduct, he said, could inflame political tensions and undermine respect for elder statesmen.
Bansi maintained that Walin Ganye’s advocacy for greater political inclusion for Ganye Chiefdom should not be interpreted as an offence, insisting that the demands reflect the collective aspirations of the people.
“We know the integrity of the National Security Adviser and the APC governorship flag bearer. We do not believe such a person officially speaks for them. If Walin Ganye advocates for Ganye to produce a Deputy Governor or to receive its fair share of political appointments and infrastructure, he is simply voicing the legitimate aspirations of the people of Ganye Chiefdom,” Bansi stated.
The stakeholders concluded by calling on the APC leadership to uphold party discipline and ensure that any member whose actions or utterances threaten the unity and cohesion of the party is appropriately sanctioned.
They reaffirmed their confidence in the leadership of the APC and urged members to remain united while pursuing the common goal of strengthening the party and advancing the interests of Ganye Chiefdom.
PIONEER NEWS 