By Erelu Modupe Martins
I read with concern the position credited to Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele describing the APC State Reconciliation Committee as “nonsense.”
As a concerned member of the APC in Ondo State and, importantly, as a member of the Reconciliation Committee myself, I find such a description particularly unfortunate.
My question to the former Speaker is simple: if she had been one of the members of the committee, would she still have described its constitution, membership and assignment as “nonsense”?
If the answer is yes, then what exactly does she propose as the alternative? And if the answer is no, then it is important to understand why a process designed to bring together aggrieved members, listen to their concerns and seek a way forward should be dismissed in such a manner.
Reconciliation is not about determining who was right or wrong before dialogue begins. It is about creating an avenue for people who have genuine grievances to sit together, speak frankly, listen to one another and find common ground.
As a member of the committee, I can state categorically that those of us serving on it are not there to protect any individual or faction. We are there because the party has given us a responsibility, and we intend to approach that responsibility with sincerity and commitment.
There may certainly be legitimate concerns about the composition, mandate or methodology of the committee. Such concerns can be raised constructively and recommendations can be made. But dismissing the entire reconciliation process as “nonsense” does not advance the cause of party unity.
It is also important to recognise that reconciliation cannot be the exclusive responsibility of candidates, the national leadership or any particular faction. Every stakeholder who genuinely wants the APC to remain strong must be willing to participate in the healing process.
If we accept that members have been hurt, as the statement rightly acknowledges, then we should also accept that somebody must make the effort to engage them. That is precisely what the reconciliation process is intended to achieve.
The APC cannot preach unity while simultaneously discrediting every mechanism established to achieve it.
As a member of this committee, I will continue to approach the assignment with an open mind and without prejudice. Our objective should not be to reopen old wounds, apportion blame or determine who won and who lost. Our objective should be to rebuild confidence and ensure that those who have become disenchanted can once again see a reason to remain committed to the party.
We all have a responsibility to protect the future of the APC in Ondo State. We may disagree on individuals, methods and political strategies, but we should not allow those disagreements to destroy the platform we all claim to value.
If we truly stand for the APC and the continuity of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then reconciliation should be supported, strengthened and improved where necessar.not dismissed as nonsense.
The committee may not have all the answers, but it is an opportunity. Let us give reconciliation a chance.
APC is bigger than any individual, faction or temporary disagreement. Our collective responsibility is to make it stronger.
