Taraba APC Decries Non-inclusion of Mustapha in Tinubu’s Cabinet

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Taraba State All Progressives Congress (APC) has decried the non-inclusion of the former Secretary and Legal Adviser of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in the state, Mohammed Mustapha, in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement jointly signed by APC Chairman, Jalingo Local government and Chairman of the forum of 16 LG Chairmen (ALGON), Bashir Bakari and the Representatives of Ward Chairmen, Hon. Bello Hassan, expressed shock that Mustapha was not considered for ministerial position.

The statement reads: “It is in the light of this rare quality of sacrificing for others, that we draw your attention to the remarkable trait of sacrificing for others in the larger interest of the party as exemplified by the contributions of our brother and compatriot who is a political activist like yourself, Mohammed Bello Mustapha fondly known and called Barr. MB Mustapha.

“MB Mustapha served as Secretary and Legal Adviser of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in Taraba state during the last Presidential elections. And it is on record that for the first time in the history of Presidential elections since 1999, a Situation Room was set-up (fully equipped with modern IT Gadgets) for the Presidential elections in Taraba state by the immediate past minister of Transportation Muazu Jaji Sambo, who doubles as the APC/PCC Coordinator. Sambo also funded the campaign from beginning to the end.”

The Taraba APC noted that the situation room was manned, handled and successfully coordinated by Mustapha, adding that it was one of the reasons why the APC in Taraba was able to surpass all expectations to score about 30% of the total votes cast in the Presidential polls.

It added that it was therefore safe to say that the engine room of the APC during the Presidential elections was Mustapha.

It noted: “We are shocked that people who have longer legs have outrun him to Abuja to receive reward for what they actually did not work for. Rubbing this obvious shortchange of a young man on us collectively totally kills the morale of the younger elements in our political party to work assiduously for future successes.

“Your Excellency, this letter is not borne out of a spirit of un-sportsmanship because we do understand that Mr. President reserves the rights under Section 147 to choose Ministers from the 36 states of the federation.

“We are emboldened to report this act that shortchanges a hardworking individual because we believe you can right the wrongs of the years past just as you have for the first time since 1999, considered, recognized and included the Abuja aborigines into your cabinet.”