………As Sanwo Olu Urges for Unity and Peace.
Amaka Osigwe, Ikpeama Emmanuel
Ahead of the Local government congress holding today, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has screened 540 candidates for various offices across Lagos State’s 20 local government areas.
Speaking with newsmen at the Party Secretariat ACME,Ikeja,the Chairman of the sixteen man committee, Barrister Nungji Salama, assured a seamless and rancour-free congress, saying arrangements are in place for a peaceful exercise.
Salama urged aspirants to be sportsmanlike, adding that 27 executives will emerge in each LGA.
“Today’s exercise is very germane to the success of tomorrow’s exercise.
“We appreciate all the committees set up here to assist in one way or another for the smooth running of the congress.
“We have successfully conducted the ward congress without any problem. Now, we are starting the processes leading to the LGA congress holding tomorrow.”
“We thank all aspirants for offering themselves to serve our great party.”
“We want all to serve diligently for the peace and progress of our party. We want to carry out this next exercise in a peaceful atmosphere without any rancour.”
He said the list of screened candidates would be pasted, urging those who did not emerge to be sportsmanlike.
“There will be another time. I hope there will be no rancour and problems,” he added.
Barr.Salama explained that 27 executives would emerge in each of the local government areas.
“There are consensus arrangements. If people agree unanimously, we will just go and ratify it,” he said.
The State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, praised the committee for their efforts in deepening democracy and strengthening the party.
“We cannot thank you enough for the sacrifices, leaving your homes to serve the party. God will reward you accordingly.
“We also appreciate the state technical committee for preparing the ground for the national officers saddled with the responsibility of conducting the congress.
“We, as a party here, do not have the right to conduct the congress because we are an interested party.
“We thank this very eminent personality sent by the national secretariat to conduct this exercise in Lagos State,” he said.
Ojelabi went further to urged party leaders at the local government level to deepen their knowledge of the newly assented amended Electoral Act and called on successful candidates to see their emergence as a call to service.
“It is a call to service for you to deepen our democracy and make an impact in strengthening and mobilising to drive our party.
“It is not going to be business as usual. You are offering yourselves to serve. Be prepared; you must work assiduously for the success of our party.
“You cannot work in isolation. Leadership is very critical in defending our party. The youth cannot be left behind, and the power of women cannot be ignored.
“Those of you who want to represent us at the local government level must show capacity and be prepared for the job,” he said.
He stated that the party had invited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and accredited media organisations to observe the process, stressing that transparency and accountability remained central to the APC’s internal operations.
The State chairman further called for greater involvement of young people and women in party activities, adding that leadership at the grassroots must be inclusive to sustain the party’s growth and effectiveness ahead of future electoral contests.
He expressed optimism that the executive committees expected to emerge in each of the 20 LGAs would effectively drive the party.
Investigator news reports that the screening committee which comprises of party executive from different states.
The committee also have different state officers of the Party drawn from former Lagos state house of assembly, House of Representatives and local government executive Chairmen among others
Earlier,Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called for calm and unity among party members as the All Progressives Congress (APC)hold its Local Government Area Congress today.
He emphasized the importance of law and order for Lagos’ growth and development during his visit to the APC Secretariat.
Sanwo-Olu appealed to party members, supporters, and residents to maintain peace and demonstrate political maturity.
According to him,Security agencies have been directed to remain vigilant and professional in safeguarding lives and property.
He went further to state that the list of the Supervisory Councilors would be released over the weekend.