The factional National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, calling it an “audacious and laudable move.”
Ezeokenwa, elected as APGA National Chairman in 2023 after Chief Victor Oye’s eight-year tenure, shared his views with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.
Tinubu had announced seven new ministers on Wednesday, including Odumegwu-Ojukwu, subject to Senate confirmation.
Expressing pride in Bianca’s appointment, Ezeokenwa said, “Bianca is one of the most revered members of the party; very iconic; a woman with sterling qualities; wife of our foremost national leader.”
He added, “In life and in death, we have an eternal leader, the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu; and he is our spiritual leader because APGA is not your regular political party. I wish to commend Tinubu for making such a laudable and audacious move.”
Ezeokenwa, a legal practitioner, highlighted the need for a strong cabinet, saying, “I had previously called on the president to form a strong cabinet of technocrats who would drive his agenda effectively.”
Discussing Nigeria’s economic challenges, he noted, “The economy of this country has taken the brunt for the past few years; nobody can shy away from the fact that Nigerians are suffering.”
He acknowledged Tinubu’s understanding of the challenges, emphasizing, “No matter how one wants to play politics, the president has come out on different fora to admit that he understands the pains and agony of Nigerians: so, he understands the reality; the inflation trend is worrisome.”
Ezeokenwa further stated that Tinubu should go beyond party lines in selecting capable leaders.
“You must look beyond your party men; you must go beyond partisan politics; you go beyond party affiliations; fish out credible Nigerians who have what it takes; those technocrats and eggheads who can actually make a difference,” he said.
He stressed his support for Tinubu’s success, stating, “If he succeeds, Nigeria will succeed; if he succeeds, the level of hunger in the country will wane.”
Ezeokenwa urged Tinubu to make Nigeria a leading global economy, “We have what it takes; we have the vast human capital. I commend the president for making that very bold and audacious move; looking beyond his political party to invite people who have it takes to help in his renewed hope agenda.”
He also called for decentralizing Nigeria’s security architecture to address the nation’s security issues.
On the alleged crisis within APGA, Ezeokenwa clarified that there is no factionalization in the party, stating, “What we have in APGA today is not factionalization; what we have is an attempt by some people who are not members of APGA trying to hijack the party through the back door.”
He emphasized that APGA remains “a united, indivisible family,” acknowledging that while political dynamics may bring challenges, the party will continue to thrive.
