Political battle line has finally been drawn in Enugu State between the Abuja based top politicians led by the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, on one hand and the home-based politicians led by Governor Sullivan Chime, on the other.
Our correspondent, who has been following the protracted face-off between Governor Chime and Senator Ekweremadu, reports that it is no longer news that the Abuja-based politicians have been storming the state more often than ever before with a view to convening secret political meetings of like minds to map out their strategies.
The strategies, it was further gathered, are strongly aimed at stamping their authority in the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure that they played a major role in selecting who becomes the next governor of Enugu State, come 2015 general election in the country.
It was also learnt that as the meeting of the state executive committee of PDP was going on Saturday at the party’s secretariat, Ogui Junction, Enugu, with Governor Chime and other top party chieftains in attendance, members of the Abuja-based group were equally meeting in the residence of one of them to continue with their strategies.
Meanwhile, Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, at the weekend called on serving politicians from the state to think of giving way for others.
Chime, who spoke during the meeting of the State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warned political office holders from the state against sit tight syndrome.
He said that the party in Enugu State would not allow anybody to perpetuate himself in office.
The governor warned that they would not allow positions to be in the hands of a few people forever and advised political office holders to give others opportunity to serve.
He assured that every member of the PDP must get something, and stressed the need for those staying in front to also taste the back seat.
The governor used the opportunity to re-assure that he has no plans to impose candidates for the 2015 general elections.
“We will not impose any candidate for elections in 2015 because the idea of imposition will not work.
“I hope that we shall come together and endorse one of our own and that person, whosoever he is, when presented, will be acceptable by the people.
“We cannot achieve that without sacrifices because we all cannot be governors.
“People should talk to themselves and make sacrifices in the interest of peace and unity of the party and the state”, Chime said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the PDP Chairman in Enugu State, Vita Abba commended Governor Chime for his steadfastness and visionary leadership.
Abba said it was their collective appeal that “you do not think of taking a gentle bow now that you have proved yourself beyond any reasonable doubt that you are capable”.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting, which was signed by Dr. Okey Eze Publicity Secretary, PDP, Enugu State, ratified the appointment of Prince Isaac Nwoye as the new Chairman of the Party in Udi Local Government Area Chapter in the State by the Udi Local Government Area Executive Committee.
The communique said the SEC’s action was sequel to the suspension and removal of the former Chairman of the Party in the Local Government Area, Mr Uche Ogbodo by the said Udi Local Government Area Executive of the party over the breach of the party’s Constitution.
In the communique, the party said it “noted with dismay the utterances and unconstitutional actions of some individuals in the state, who attempt to cause disaffection in the party and bring it into disrepute for selfish interests.
The party also commended the state leadership of the party for its innovative efforts in stabilizing the party in the state, through effective administrative principles, internal democracy, wider consultations and frequent admonition for due process and party discipline.