PDP To Partner CNPP On Democracy

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River has pledged to work with the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) to advance the cause of democracy.

The State Chairman of the party, Mr John Okon, made the pledge in Calabar at the inauguration of the state executive committee of CNPP.

“We have decided to work together for the benefit of the people of Cross River State  and for the growth of democracy in the state, ‘’ he said.

Okon said that it was only by working together that the people could enjoy the dividends of democracy.

He urged political parties in the state to learn to accept election results, “to solidify democracy.’’

“Our belief is that whoever wins election, we should accept him or her willingly; democracy is a process, ‘’ Okon advised.

In his speech, the State Chairman of CNPP, Mr Mike Abe, also expressed the readiness of CNPP to work with other political parties in the state.

He said that the newly inaugurated CNPP executive was poised to offer constructive criticism against any administration in the state, “where and when necessary.”

Abe called for the cooperation of all stakeholders, adding that such cooperation was needed to strengthen democracy in the state.

“We need the support of all political parties, the press, financial donors and the general public, ‘’ he said.

Those inaugurated include Mr Mike Abe as State Chairman (CPC), Mr Remi Agwuezie, State Secretary (LP) and Mr Fredrick Atep (APGA).

Meanwhile, former CNPP State Chairman, Mr Cletus Obun has described the new executive as illegal.

Obun said that he remained the chairman of the conference in the state, adding that any other executive was null and void.

“You cannot go and pick people from some political parties and call them CNPP, it is illegal, ‘’ he said.

Another ACN Chieftain, Mr Baasey Ita also said that the party refused to participate in the inauguration because it did not believe in the new executive.

The new Chairman, Abe said that CNPP was made up of leadership of various political parties.

“CNPP is a collection of leadership of all political parties but Obun has ceased to be the Chairman of ACN in the state and therefore he cannot be part of CNPP, ‘’ he said.

Abe, who is also the Chairman, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), said that all members of the new executive were leaders of their various political parties.