A support group of the ruling APC, the Amalgamated APC Support Groups (AASG) on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on the former minister of communications, Barrister Adebayo Shitty at his office in the central areas of Abuja. According to the group the visit was to show their respect and loyalty to a man who has been a vocal voice and a formidable pillar within the party.
The group, which was led by Ted Influence Orode said after succesfully playing their role in ensuring the victory of the party at the 2023 general election and mobilizing massively to ensure the policies of the new administration resonates with the masses as the group looks forward their is an immediate need to solidify its structures by bringing in men of substance and influence who are loyal to the vision and ideology of the APC especially as the country look ahead to the 2027 general elections and other off season elections.
Orode said, ” We reposition AASG for a better stead in 2027 and other off season elections like Edo, Ondo and subsequent ones ahead. It will give members sense of belonging and establish a sophisticated radar to navigate our political waters.While in our quest for a political father, leader and a person with empathy regarding our plight and to light our pathways for us not to stumble and fall or carry us on his back with the strength of his goodwill, proximity to the corridor of power within the APC family, and an advocate for a better reward system, the name of Chief Hon. Adebayo Shittu resonated.
“So what we were looking for in Sokoto was in our shokoto so we just have to dip hand into it to collect it. That is the cardinal reason we are here aren’t it?We know Chief, Hon. Adebayo Shittu as an astute politician who has defiled aging and still vibrant like a man in his youthful vigour. A man who set the record as the youngest Honourable member of the Oyo State House of Assembly during the Second Republic at the age of 26 years. A member of the National Political Conference in 2005; a former gubernatorial candidate in 2011 under CPC; a former Minister of Communication in 2015- 2919; a seasoned lawyer and astute author; and the National Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Coalition for Good Governance.
“We are aware of your antecedent as a visional and dogged fighter. Your projects in your home state and community are laudable. As a minister we aware also of your lofty vision, projections of changing the narrative of the Nigeria Communication sector by making it a cash cow, in term of revenue generation that account for our GDP growth, quality services, increased subscribers and development of the sector through Digital Bridge Institute (DBI). Also, we appreciate your boldness and fine on MTN which humbled the telecommunication giant. You are a goldfish that has no hiding place. While we appreciate your immense contributions to the emergence cum victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power, we are using this opportunity to drum support for your consideration as a minister or higher call for service to our father land.As a man who wore the same shoes as us, you stand in a pole position to understand our plight. Support Groups have not been carried along by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He must make a detour from the party’s usual jinx of poor reward system known of the last administration.
Speaking further, Orode said, “You know the strength of support groups and that like fragile baby should not be toyed with now that our loyalty to the President and the party is unwavering. Thus, we don’t want any variables that might polarize us to the advantage of oppositions. Therefore, the ‘Special Assembly ‘ is imperative and a clarion call. We have the budget of what it will take and need you to facilitate it for us. Therefore, permit me to present the budget proposal for your perusal and expedite action in deed. You may facilitate it as a person or using your connection to draw the President attention, high profile politicians, genuine party’s leaders, political appointees, business men and friends of the President and party as our benefactors.
“Help us please to lift our tongues out of the tombs of silence because to resign to fate is to be crippled fast.Once again we want to thank you for opening your doors for us with outstretched arms. We love you and pray that the President will look into your direction and the direction for ministerial appointments or other higher duties of state service. Be assured that the rebirth AASG is ever willing to work with you.God bless AASG!God bless Hon. Adebayo Shittu!!God bless President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On his part, Barrister Shittu said he remains faithful and committed to the APC and that he is sure that it his the vehicle that will take Nigeria to the promise land. He also called for unity within the APC, saying it is the only way to maintain its popularity and acceptability among the Nigerian masses.
He said, ” the current adminstration of renewed hope is walking round the clock to ensure it delivers on the mandate bestowed on it by Nigerians, and in the immediate future we will testify to the sagacity of these policies and initiatives.
“We know the superlative antecedent of Mr President and the excellent team behind him, so with time we will see good and positive manifestations. APC is still the party to beat and I believe that despite any ostensible crisis in the party it will give way to reconciliation and stability. We are the party of progressives we have our way of dealing with such issues.
