The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on state governors elected on its platform not to deviate from the party’s manifesto in the scheme of their programmes in power.

The National Chairman of the Party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, gave the warning at a consultative meeting with the governors held at the national secretariat of the Party, noting that whatever they did, they would bear their own cross.

The chairman told the governors that their activities, actions and programmes should be guided by the party’s manifesto, urging them to adhere strictly to the party constitution and ensure the delivery of campaign promises.

He said:

“For us, anything that we will want to say to you is adherence to the manifesto as much as you can. We have a general framework for the governance of the country and you represent those who fly the flag of the party. It is expected that whatever you do, you will have in mind the manifesto that the party gives the country.

“You as the Chief Executive Officers of the states must key into this manifesto. But there are peculiarities. There are priorities you must have set and you are bound to do as much as you can to meet the expectations of those who voted for us.

Adamu observed that the governors have come on board at a very difficult period characterised by the lifting of fuel subsidy, adding that the removal posed a challenge to Governors at the state level.

“From national politics, you are the shock absorbers in the various states of the federation. You live with the people. You wake up with the people and you work with them. The expectation is that you could have a better appreciation of their pains as citizens of this country. So, a lot of expectations will be on you as governors of the federating units of this great country.

“As far as the party is concerned, we will give you every cooperation you need. If you have any problem, turn to us and we will give you the best advice we can. But whatever we do with you, you are the one wearing the shoes and know where it pinches.

 “Whatever you do, do not forget that you will bear your cross. You will bear your cross. We will not as a party stand in your way for a good programme. If someone does so, please draw our attention so that we will stop it.”

The Governors were led to the meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

While speaking Uzodimma assured the party leadership of the forum’s resolve to cooperate with the party by keeping faith with its manifesto.