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| Yobe State Governor, Maimala Buni |
A letter which Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State wrote to Governor Sani Bello, his Niger counterpart, stating his willingness to return as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All APC is currently in circulation.
Bello has been running the affairs of the party since Monday, a development that has created division in the ruling party.
Recall that Governors Nasi El–Rufai of Kaduna and David Umahi of Ebonyi had took different positions on Buni.
While Umahi said Buni was still in charge of the party, El-Rufai said he could never return as the party chairman.
Speaking on a television programme, El-Rufa’i had said President Muhammadu Buhari ordered Buni’s removal, adding that 19 governors were behind Bello.
“Buni is gone, the secretary is gone. Gov. Bello is in charge and he has the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari and 19 governors. Buni can only return as governor of Yobe but never as chairman of our party,” he had said.
“It was the president’s order to us as governors. He (Bello) has the president’s full backing and the backing of at least 19 of the APC governors.
“President Buhari ordered his removal and this has been implemented. Governor Bello has taken over and things are moving according to plan. Party will be restored, convention will take place as scheduled. 19 governors and their deputies are solidly behind this move. Buni and his people got a court order to stop the convention but hid it.”
But in a leaked letter seen by Daily Trust, Buni handed over to Bello and said he would take charge of the party once he returns from his medical leave.
However, the authenticity of the letter which is currently trending on social media cannot be verified. Daily Trust reports
“This is to inform you that I will be embarking on a medical trip to the United Arab Emirates from today, February 28, 2022. I will resume office upon my discharge from the hospital.
“In my absence, I hereby transmit the functions of my office as the National Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee to you. This is to enable the committee to conclude all arrangements leading to the national convention slated for March 26, 2022, and other duties that may be required of the office.
“I invite all members to cooperate with Governor Abubakar Sani Bello by extending to him all the support that I have enjoyed from you.”