Politics
2023: Lagos PDP Unites For Future Polls
The reinstated Peoples Democratic Party Chairman in Lagos State, Dr Dominic Agboola, has called for unity of purpose ahead of 2023 and local government polls in the state.
Agboola, who was recently reinstated by a Lagos High Court, expressed his determination to stabilise the party during a news conference in Lagos.
The Tide reports that Justice Oyekan Abdullahi of the Lagos High Court had on June 23 removed Adedeji Doherty as Lagos State PDP chairman and reinstated Agboola as Chairman.
Agboola, who promised to adhere to party constitution and due process in running the party, said that members would be allowed to choose their leaders without violence and thuggery.
The chairman commended the long-suffering, dedicated and committed party members “despite the huge dark clouds that have hung over the party for the past twenty months.
“In rather bizarre circumstances, the peace and stability of our great party got rudely disturbed through avoidable wrongful actions and/or inactions which led to a protracted law suit, and which, by divine providence, came to an end some four days ago.
“In that period, our party has suffered severely under the sledgehammer of corruption unleashed on it by a sense of self-seeking, indecent, and unmitigated bravado.
“In those twenty months, indiscipline, total disregard of the party’s rules and constitution, among others, have disrupted the basis of our party’s promises to the people of Lagos State,” he said.
According to him, PDP is poised to reestablish the old and proper attitude where leaders, officers and representatives are elected at free and fair congresses and primaries, as prescribed by the extant provisions of the party’s constitution.
He called for a solid party structure and hardwork to boost the fortune of PDP in the state, especially in the forthcoming Lagos council polls.
“As the 2023 national elections stare the nation in the face, the PDP in Lagos State must work hard to contribute its fair quota to the pool of the winning streak that will be the portion of the party nationwide.
“To this end, the impending local government election in Lagos State provides an ample opportunity for the party to test-run its machinery towards 2023.
“The machinery includes the establishment of wards and polling booth structures in all the polling units throughout the state.
“It is a sure way to win many, if not all the chairmanship and councillorship positions available,” Agboola added.
According to him, party members who are aspiring for elective positions at PDP forthcoming congresses are directed to work to produce the councillor of their respective wards in the forthcoming council polls.
Agboola, who noted that PDP was determined to win as many councillorship and chairmanship seats as possible, assured candidates of logistics and other material support within the reach of the party.
He said that his leadership would ensure strict compliance with the ethos of good conduct and gentlemanly behaviour as enshrined in the party rule book.
The Tide reports that some of the chieftains of the party in attendance included, Prince Muiz Shodipe (the state secretary), Sen. Kofoworola Bucknor and Mr Taofik Gani, the State Publicity Secretary, among others.
The crisis within Lagos PDP is far from being over after the court judgement as an opposing group in the party vowed to appeal the judgement that reinstated Agboola.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
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