The Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has described the re-elected state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Godspower Ake as an exemplary leader, whose sterling qualities have enhanced the electoral value of the party in the state.

Governor Amaechi made the remarks at the 2012 state congress of the party which took place at the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt,on  Saturday.

Represented by his deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, the state chief executive congratulated the out-going executives of the party for successfully piloting its affairs in the past years, noting that the outstanding performance of the party in past elections was a testament to the way party affairs were conducted.

He thanked all the outgoing party executive for their contributions to the success of the party, saying “those of them that were not returned will not be forgotten as their good works will always speak for them.

Governor Amaechi called on the in-coming party executives to work harder in building on the achievements of the past four years to deliver a better, robust, and united party that would ensure the deliverance of the dividends of democracy to the people.

Of the 984 accredited delegates at the party congress conducted by Mr Steve Emelieze, and supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chief Ake, polled 777 votes out of 824 to emerge state chairman, alongside Senibo Dagogo Legg-Jack, Deputy state chairman, and Barr Adokiye Oruwari, state Secretary in a 29 member executive of the party for the next four years.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Ake thanked party faithfuls in the state for the confidence reposed in his executives that had seen the party winning all elective positions contested for in the state in the past four years.

He called on the new executives to work harder than the outgone exco to ensure that the PDP continues in its winning ways in the next four years.

Also speaking, the  state Deputy chairman, Mr Legg-Jack thanked Governor Amaechi for being supportive to the party, ‘as much support has been translated into a peaceful congress witnessed today”.

In a related development, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) last Saturday held its state congress across the country in a peaceful manner, with some states returning candidates through consensus.

In Kaduna, Vice-President Namadi Sambo said the successful conduct of PDP congress in Kaduna State was a clear demonstration of the party’s focus towards delivering good governance.

The Vice-President who spoke during the PDP congress in Kaduna last Saturday congratulated the newly elected officials, saying the party was committed to implementing the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

He urged the elected officials to work as a team to promote the party’s virtues and ensure sincere representation of the people who voted for them.

Amb. Nuhu Audu, the newly elected chairman of the party in Kaduna , said the new officials would ensure justice and equity in carrying out their mandate.

In Sokoto State, the 29-member state executives of the PDP  were returned unopposed.

The election was presided over by a five-man congress committee from the PDP national secretariat, headed by Chief Sergeant Awuse.

Wamakko commended the delegates for the orderly and peaceful congress, saying there had been absolute respect and trust between the followers and leadership of the party in the state.

In his acceptance speech, the chairman commended members of the party for the confidence reposed in him.

Waziri urged the people of the state to pray fervently for Nigeria, saying it is in dire need of prayers.

In Dutse, capital of Jigawa State, the party elected its new officials by consensus arrangement without any contest.

The former state commissioner for Economic and Youth Empowerment, Alhaji Salisu Mahmuda, was elected chairman of the party while former Special Adviser to Gov. Sule Lamido on Personal Matters, Alhaji Aliyu Gantsa, was elected secretary.

In Asaba, Delta, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, state chairman of the PDP was returned unopposed Chief Solomon Ogba, secretary of the party; Chief Arthur Akpowowo, youth leader and Chief Edwin Uzor, state auditor of the party were also returned unopposed.

In his acceptance speech, Nwaoboshi thanked the delegates and other party members for another opportunity to serve.

Meanwhile, Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta has appealed to citizens of the state not to overheat the political system.

He urged all to sustain the new spirit of unity as no meaningful development could be achieved in a chaotic and rancorous atmosphere.

In Makurdi, Benue State, elections into various executive offices of the PDP commenced with newsmen barred from the venue.

They advised the delegates to put aside sentiments and work for the good of the party in particular and the state in general.

In Awka, Anambra State, the state Police Command, cordoned off St. Augustine Anglican Church, Amawbia, near Awka, stopping the conduct of PDP congress in the state.

In Jos, Plateau State accreditation for the PDP state congress commenced at about 11.30 a.m. amidst tight security.

The Tide reports that there was heavy presence of security operatives at the various centres.

In Gombe, Mr Jack Gumpy, was re-elected chairman of the party.

Our correspondent reports that the congress which was based on consensus, also had Alhaji Nasiru Gwani as Vice Chairman and Alhaji Abubakar Shanu as Secretary.

In Enugu, all the 29 executive officers, including two women, were returned unopposed.

The Tide correspondent reports that former chairman, Mr Vita Abba, was re-elected while Mr Steve Oruruo was returned as the secretary.

In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu described the congress as the “best organised in the country’’.