Leaders of the Peoples’

Democratic Party in the South South geo-political zone have resolved to put their differences aside and put their house in order ahead of the 2015 general elections in the country.

Speaking at a meeting of its South-South Caucus at Asaba, Delta State, Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Tony Anenih, admitted that all is not well with the ruling party, urging the party’s stalwarts in the zone to be part of the solution to the challenges currently rocking the party, enjoining them to work out how best to forge a common front that would yield maximum benefits for the people.

“This meeting is taking place at a very critical period in the political history of the South-South zone and indeed in Nigeria. It must have been prompted by certain social and political events of recent which has brought to the fore the issues concerning the political future of our country.

That 2015 is already in the national consciousness can no longer be hidden. It is therefore the duty of our zone to work out how best to partake in the enterprise of charting the course that will bring maximum benefits for our people”.

Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio, expressed optimism that the party would grow stronger, assuring that “as the new Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, I assure you that come 2015 our rank and file will not be depleted,” noting that “this kind of meeting will afford us the opportunity to put our house in order before we go to the elections in 2015. So I’m assuring you that once we put our house in order I believe strongly that the PDP governors in Nigeria will increase”.

Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, observed that “this meeting is very timely because there are so many issues confronting the nation in general and the zone in particular that require our very deep thoughts and analysis,” expressing the hope that “we can find solution to these challenges not only in the interest of the zone but in the interest of the nation at large”.

Acknowledging that “the challenges that we have are unprecedented, and, therefore, I will urge that as we address them, we think outside the box, and be as strong as possible,” Senator Ndoma-Egba, stated that “we can find true solutions so that Nigeria can realize her full potentials,” assuring the party of the support of the National Assembly, pointing out that “the National Assembly like any other parliament is a very peculiar institution. We are usually torn between several loyalties.

But I want to assure you all that inspite of the peculiarities of our institution we remain true party men and true patriots and everything we do, think, or say is in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. I want to reassure you of our loyalty to the party. We assure you of our loyalty to our government and we assure you of our loyalty to the Nigerian people”.

Also speaking, the member representing Isoko Federal Constituency and Deputy Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leo Okuweh, appreciated the essence of the meeting as according to him “this is one event that would foster wonderful relationships among leaders of this zone,” saying that “it is important we keep such a concept going on a continuous basis”.

Elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clarke, enjoined the party faithful to “trust one another,” saying “let us be truthful,” adding that “it is important for us to meet to agree and disagree. Let us come together to discuss our issues and resolve them”.

Speaking, Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, expressed gratitude to the leaders of the party from the zone for making the event a success, noting that their contributions have bolstered the essence of the meeting, reiterating that the zone which has produced the President would continue to stand fully behind him.