APC open to criticisms - Chieftain
Ortom optimistic of a fresh mandate in 2019
Barr. Ismail Ahmed, who led the youth wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2015 campaign organisation, has said that the ruling party is ready to welcome criticisms amid frustrations being expressed by some Nigerians.
Ahmed said this while addressing the youths at an interactive session organised by Citizens Support for Good Governance in Nigeria (SGGN).
The former chairman of the APC Youth Forum said it was important for the party to act on its promises during the electioneering campaigns.
He said, “As a government, we have to be open to criticism. Some people are not happy; people have to express their frustration and anger. We cannot and should not have a problem with that.
“We campaigned all through because I headed the youth wing during campaign. I knew from day one that it is not going to be an easy task. Even the President knew it won’t be an easy task. So, the responsibility is not for us to start promising anymore because we are two years into the administration.
“This administration has to be convinced by its own performance and not its own promises anymore. We have made promises during campaign, now we have to act on those promises and that is what the president will continue to do,” he said. Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue said on Sunday that he was “very optimistic” of securing a second tenure as governor, in 2019.
Ortom spoke in Agbeede, Konshisha Local Government of the state, at a thanksgiving mass in honour of his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Terver Akase.
He said that he was sure of his people’s support “any time, any day”, because he had not failed in his responsibility so far.
“Those nursing the ambition of vying for the governorship position should jettison the idea; I will beat them silly,” he said.
He urged such people to save their resources and not waste time contesting an election they would not win.
“My victory will be devoid of manipulation; I will win genuinely,” he declared.The governor said that his administration was committed to ridding the state of criminals, but called for support as he could not do it alone.
“Everyone must support us; security is everybody’s business and there is a role for everyone to play toward a better society,” he said.
In his sermon, Rev. Fr Stephen Suega urged those in authority to always ask God for guidance and direction before embarking on any programme. (NAN)