‘Why PDP Chose PH For Legislators’ Retreat’

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have disclosed that they chose Port Harcourt as venue for the retreat by Senators and House of Representative members to strategise for the party’s expected role as the major opposition party in the new political dispensation.

Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu revealed that Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital rather than Port Harcourt was the original venue for the event following wide spread rumour of insecurity in Rivers State; adding that the Party leadership decided to prove to the world that Rivers State is a PDP State with guarantee of safety and security provided by the State government.

“There was serious rumour making round that we can’t hold retreat in Port Harcourt because Rivers State is unsafe but we needed to prove that such rumours were unfounded and based on falsehood”, he said.

According to Ekweremadu, “instead of holding the retreat at Uyo, we decided to ascertain how true the story is in Rivers which is a PDP controlled state. We have not only held a successful meeting in Port Harcourt but we have also found out that the state is very safe and peaceful.”

He urged the legislators to help in dispelling the lies as the state is conducive and safe for local and international visitors. Over 76 law makers honoured the party with journalists, House of Reps-elect.

Also speaking to reporters, Hon. Dumnamene Deekor said the PDP members at the National Assembly were set for robust legislation and would offer exemplary opposition that would move the nation to the next level.

Deekor, a former Deputy Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly who is representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said the defeat of PDP at last Presidential election has not weakened the party.

“We are more than ever before determined to give the system the kind of opposition not known before and we shall offer a strong voice to Nigeria,” he maintained.

Earlier, the host and senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Thompson Sekibo remarked that “the business of lawmaking was hectic and required time for leisure and relaxation.

He urged the legislators to refresh themselves and prepare for the task ahead noting that the PDP has the capacity to transform Nigeria through a purposeful opposition politics in the National Assembly.

Also speaking, Barr Ken Chikere thanked the visitors for their presence stating that the dinner was a way to extend the gratitude of members of the National Assembly from Rivers State to their colleagues for a successful retreat.