ACN makes U-Turn, embraces national unity government

IN a clear reversal of its earlier rigid stance on participating in the Government of National Unity (GNU) being proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has reviewed its position and is now ready to board the transformation train.


An impeccable source in the party exclusively told the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, on Thursday, that its leadership had, however, resolved that its participation would be based on “guarded participation policy.”

According to the source, “ACN is going to participate in proposed Government of National Unity (GNU) and its participation will be based on “guarded policy,” that is to say, all the appointments will be routed through the party’s leadership, which will serve as a clearing house.

“The president will not just go on air to announce names of just anybody for any appointment on the platform of the ACN. The cards will be placed on the table; we will know what is going to be allocated to our party. The leadership of the party will meet and search for suitable members, who can deliver the goods for such slots. That is our stand,” he declared.

The Nigerian Tribune learnt that some slots comprising ministerial positions, ambassadorial seats, boards as well as other political appointments had already been set aside for the main oppositions such as the ACN, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), Labour Party (LP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

It was gathered that Wednesday’s meeting of President Jonathan with the leadership of the main political parties, except the CPC, was part of the efforts being made to persuade the opposition groups to put the general election behind them and embrace the GNU in order to move the nation forward.

The meeting held behind closed door at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, was attended by leaders of the opposition parties, except the CPC’s General Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently challenging the electoral victory of President Jonathan of the PDP at the tribunal.

Emerging from the meeting, spokesman of the ACN delegation, former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, described it as very successful and a right step in a right direction taken by President Jonathan.
The leadership of the ACN had earlier vowed to expel any of its members who “takes any appointment with the PDP-controlled government at any level,” advising any of its members contemplating such appointments to first resign his/her membership of the party.
Meanwhile, a two-day retreat, being organised by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for its elected members under new political dispensation, will begin today in Abuja.
Those being expected at the retreat on the theme “Legislative and Executive Branch Collaboration: A New System for National Transformation,” include President Jonathan, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, governors and National Assembly members-elect.

Source: The Nigerian Tribune

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