By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Former Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, has lauded the peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) congresses across Taraba State.
Kunini also commended party stakeholders for electing Alhaji Abubakar Bawa as the State Chairman.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, the former Speaker described the exercise as one of the best in the history of party politics in the state, despite what he called minor challenges.
“No exercise or endeavour can be perfect, and I cannot say the conduct of our congresses was perfect. However, you will agree with me that the congresses were relatively peaceful and smooth,” he said.
Kunini praised the leader of the party in the state, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for providing what he described as a level playing field for the congresses to hold without undue influence or interference.
“I commend the leader of our party, the APC, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for ensuring a level playing field. It goes a long way to show that he is truly a statesman who wants the best for the party and allows people to choose leaders of their choice,” he stated.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and urged them to work closely to promote unity, justice and fairness within the party.
“While I commend stakeholders for unanimously endorsing Alhaji Bawa for the chairmanship position, I congratulate all the newly elected executives and urge them to ensure unity in the party,” Kunini added.
The former Speaker emphasised that the party is at a critical moment and requires cooperation and collective responsibility to strengthen its structure.
“I must state here that the party is at a critical moment and needs enormous responsibility to unite members and build confidence among them.
“It is obvious that not everyone is happy with the outcome of the congresses. It is therefore the responsibility of the leadership to ensure that grievances are addressed and that aggrieved members are brought on board to work for the common good of the party,” he said.
Responding to concerns about a possible crisis within the party, Kunini dismissed fears of implosion in Taraba.
“I am aware of fears of implosion within the party at various levels. However, for us in Taraba, that is far-fetched. Unity of purpose is our common goal, and we are determined to put the party ahead of individual interests,” he said.
He also urged politicians to pursue their ambitions objectively and with civility, rather than overheating the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
