•Buhari, Atiku, others pay tributes to minister at his book launch
From the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu came an advice to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday: ‘Learn from the mistakes of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),’ Onu is a chieftain of APC.
The minister admonished the party during the launch of his book: “From opposition to governing party: Nigeria’s APC merger story” held in Abuja.
Tracing the birth of APC and how it tried several times to form an opposition that was strong enough to sack a ruling party, Onu said three legacy political parties gave up other identities to form the largest party in Africa.
His words: “What happened has never been witnessed in Nigeria or Africa when political parties merged to defeat a ruling party. Three political parties gave up their identities to form the largest political party in the history of this country.
“Before this historic event, several efforts were made to bring the opposition parties together. None of that worked. In the past, we had tried to work together. At first, it appeared possible until the whole process collapsed. But in 2013, APC was born. This book is to document the events that led to the formation of the APC. It is about how we moved from being an opposition party to become the ruling party.
“This book will help APC to learn from the mistakes of the PDP and avoid what led to their downfall. In this journey of merger, the hand of God was clearly with us. Most people thought it was insurmountable. It is important for me to stress that in writing this book, I do not have any other interest, but to contribute to history. APC will help transform Nigeria into a great nation. The hands of God has remained with this nation. We must all work together to build a Nigeria that is united, strong and prosperous.”
He urged the Buhari administration to factor in the grievances of the Biafran protesters in the South-East by assuring them that the APC government meant well for them
“In the Southeastern part of the country, there is a growing protest. It is important that all regions are represented in an orderly manner that represents all interests. Buhari understands the plurality of Nigeria and will do everything to accommodate all.
“The Igbos need Nigeria just as Nigeria needs the Igbos. We must assure the youths of the South-East that the administration of President Buhari meant well for them,” Onu stated.
President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and others paid glowing tributes to Dr. Onu, describing him as a worthy politician that should be emulated by all.
The President traced the origin of his relationship with Dr. Onu to his days in protective custody when ex-military President General Ibrahim Babangida held sway as military Head of State. He revealed that Onu was among the few Nigerians who stood by him during his trying days.
On his part, Atiku said: “Let me start by congratulating Onu on his appointment as minister. I think every Nigerian pays attention to public affairs. His appointment is well deserved. Those of us who have worked with him have come to see in him competence, humility and sharp intellect. He is a gentleman in every good sense of the word.
“It is amazing that he found time despite what was going on to write this book. The book chronicles the process that led to the formation of the the APC. As we have been told, it is a story of patriotism and sacrifice. It is also a story of change,” he said.
Governor Tambuwal, while recalling his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives and the role Onu played in the formation of APC, said: “I was privileged to be the Speaker when all that is captured in this book happened.
“Then, I was maintaining a very delicate balance. My emergence as Speaker in 2011 was as a result of the efforts of all parties. Back then, the formation of APC was already in the wing. Onu is a man of many parts. The presence of two former governors from Ebonyi State who are PDP and a serving governor is a testimony of who you are.”
The book, “From Opposition to Governing Party : Nigeria’s APC Merger Story”, scientifically and meticulously tells the merger story, as well as how power was peacefully transferred for the first time in Nigeria’s political history, from the major political party, the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) to the newly-merged party, APC.
The Sun.
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