A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Gombe South Senatorial District, Taslim Dan-wanki, has raised concerns about the recent appointment of over 600 members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as Senior Legislative Aides (SLAs) by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
According to Dan-wanki, the appointments, which he claims disproportionately affect Gombe State, have sparked outrage within the APC ranks, with many party loyalists feeling sidelined.
In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, Dan-wanki expressed deep dissatisfaction over the appointments.
He emphasized that “these roles, which are traditionally filled by party loyalists, have now been occupied by members of the opposition, causing tensions within the ruling party.”
ALSO READ:FG to begin second payments to one million recipients under DBT programme
“It is disheartening to see that our efforts and loyalty to the party have been disregarded, and instead, the opposition is being favored in such a crucial area as legislative appointments,” Dan-wanki lamented.
According to him, the appointment, which has created political tension in Gombe State, is palpable, as APC members in the state view these appointments as a violation of the party’s principles of inclusivity and loyalty.
Dan-wanki stressed that the Speaker must reconsider the appointments, urging fairness and the prioritization of APC members in filling legislative aide positions.
He expressed concerns that this move could demoralize APC members who may feel their contributions to the party are being overlooked.
“This is not just about Gombe State; it’s about the entire nation. If the APC cannot reward its loyalists and faithful members, what message are we sending to the future of the party?” Dan-wanki questioned.
The appointments have added a new layer to the ongoing rivalry between the APC and PDP in Gombe State, where political competition has been fierce in recent years. With elections around the corner, Dan-wanki’s public stance may indicate brewing discontent within the APC that could impact the party’s unity moving forward.
“As this issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will address the concerns raised by APC members like Dan-wanki. Many are hopeful that a resolution will be reached, restoring confidence among party members, especially in politically sensitive areas like Gombe South.
“The political landscape in Gombe remains charged, and the response from the National Assembly leadership will be pivotal in determining the future dynamics between the APC and PDP within the state,” the statement reads.
