SERAP Condemns APC NEC Meeting At State House, Says It Erodes Public Trust, Weakens Democracy

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has joined many in condemning the President, Muhammadu Buhari for using the federal executive chamber of the Presidential Villa for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC NEC meeting, which had in attendance the President, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President and some APC Governors, was convened by an ex-factional national chairman of the party, Victor Giadom.

Among the many fall out of the meeting was the dissolution of the National Working Committee of the party, and the appointment of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni as Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Committee.

But in a Twitter post on Friday, the right group condemned the use of the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja for political party operations, stating that the action is “analogous to using public money/property to fund or support political party operations”.

“We condemn the use of the State House for political party operations and meetings,” SERAP noted.

“It’s analogous to using public money/property to fund or support political party operations.

“This is unethical, and an abuse of office. It can erode public trust and weaken democracy.”

MERIDIAN SPY reported earlier a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osita Chidoka was appalled by Buhari’s decision to use the federal executive chamber for his party’s activity, described it as degrading, while accusing him of mixing party business with government activities.

Chidoka said no President of the country since 1999 has permitted such activity at the Villa.

“The country witnessed a new low today when Mr President, for the first time since 1999, used the Federal Executive Chamber for APC NWC meeting,” he said.

“Since President Obasanjo, through President Yar’Adua and President Jonathan NO meeting of PDP NWC/NEC ever took place in the Federal Executive Council Chamber. The Party expanded Caucus which meets at the Villa periodically use the First Lady’s meeting room or the Banquet Hall.”

“The government is not an arm of a political party. Once a government is in place it is for all Nigerians and its organs or properties must not be used for partisan purposes.

“The holding of APC meeting in the Council Chambers is a clear signal that the government is commingling party and government business and we hope government funds are not being used to partisan end. This government continues to damage our national values.”