…Creates National Advisory Council Replaces Board of Trustees, Creates Zonal Congress
By John Ugo
The Caretaker Committee/Extraordinary Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress for the February 16 National Convention has notified stakeholders and members of the party of an amendment to the party’s Constitution.
Senator John James Akpanudodehe, the National SecretaryAPCCaretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday.
He said the notice was in line with Article 30 (111) which stipulates that notice should be served at least fourteen days before the date of the National Convention at which the proposed amendments is to be considered.
“In accordance with Article 30 (iii) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Constititution, the Governor Mai Mala Buni-chaired Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has served a notice of proposed amendments to the Party’s Constitution on members of the National Convention.” The statement read in part.
Senator Akpanudodehe noted that the APC Constitution 2014 has been in effect for almost eight years and together with judgments from Courts of competent jurisdiction, administrative experiences have revealed flaws in the Constitution.”
He said, “It became imperative to conduct a review of the Party’s Constitution.”
“Article 30 (iii) stipulates that the notice is served at least fourteen (14) days before the date of the National Convention at which the proposed amendments is to be considered.
“The Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee established a Constitution Review Committee under the chairmanship of Prof. Tahir Mamman, (SAN) to thoroughly review the Constitution in accordance with Article 30 which provides for Constitutional amendments.
The Caretaker committee assured that the adopted adopted an all-inclusive approach which led to the draft proposals.
He pointed out that broadly, the amendment proposals would clarify ambiguities in the Constitution, fill gaps that became apparent and recognize and expand platforms for participation of critical groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities
He said that members of the review committee would also replace the Board of Trustees (BoT) under a new title called National Advisory Council with streamlined memberships and clear powers and functions.
The committee is expected to create zonal congresses, clarify powers of National Executive Committee and National Working Committee and ensure clearer accountability by organs of the party.
In addition, the body would ensure that there are new organs for efficient administration of the party and fair distribution of income between national and sub-national organs as well as clarify disciplinary procedures and powers etc.