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Fintiri Emerges PDP Convention Committee Chairman
The PDP NEC, yesterday, appointed the Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, as the chairman of the party national convention scheduled for October 30, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, his deputy while Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is to serve as secretary.
The party’s NEC has also appointed the Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as the chairman of Zoning Committee, Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, is deputy while Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Barrister Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed, is to serve as secretary of the committee.
The appointment of Fintiri as the chairman of the Convention Committee, it was gathered, generated some controversy among party members, who were of the opinion that he’s a close ally to the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Some party members, who observed that all the appointments have been taken over by the governors, added that the governors were not only taking appointments but have taken over the entire party.
The governors, it was also gathered, are likely to do some shakeup in some organs of the party after the convention, especially the Board of Trustees (BoT).
Recall that the party had been embroiled in leadership crisis.
This development had prompted the emergence of Yemi Akinwonmi, the deputy national chairman South to lead the party, because of the sack of Prince Uche Secondus.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the 93rd NEC meeting presided over by Akinwonmi, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan said, “NEC approved the composition of the National Convention Planning Committee as well as the Zoning Committee to zone National Working Committee offices.”
On the National Convention Planning Committee, Ologbondiyan said, “NEC approved Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Governor of Adamawa State as chairman, 2021 National Convention Organizing Committee.
“Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State is Deputy Chairman of the committee, while Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State is to serve as Secretary.”
On the Zoning Committee, the party said, “NEC approved Rt Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Enugu State as Chairman of Zoning Committee.
“Dr. Samuel Ortom, the Governor of Benue State is Deputy Chairman and Barrister Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed is secretary of the committee.
“NEC charged the committees to work hard to ensure the successful conduct of the National Convention.”
On the David Mark Committee set up by the NEC to address the leadership crisis in the party, Ologbondiyan disclosed that “NEC received the report of the Senator David Mark committee, which is intervening in certain issues relating to the leadership challenges in our party. The David Mark committee assured that efforts are on to resolve all court matters.”
The National Publicity Secretary, however, said that date has not been fixed for the submission of report by the zoning committee, but the convention date remain intact.
During the inauguration of Anambra State governorship campaign council headed by Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu earlier, Akinwonmi disclosed that the selection and choice of the national campaign were carefully made after an extensive and intensive consultation across all strata of PDP.
“The leadership of PDP has the highest optimism that the membership is capable and competent to deliver Anambra back to PDP come November 6, 2021. Anambra will fall for PDP.
“I call on all members of the Council and Ndi Anambra to close ranks and deliver the state to PDP families. The cooperation of all and sundry is expected for the actualization of PDPs dream. I would like to seize this opportunity to appreciate on behalf of the PDP, all the aspirants, who dramatically contested with the candidate, your spirit of sportsmanship is wonderful.
“I call on you to kindly hold hand together to deliver Anambra to PDP. We call on all of us to set aside differences, and look at the PDP and Nigeria above any personal consideration. Anambra is winnable for PDP,” he said.
The Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said that PDP is set to win the elections in Anambra State.
“We have had very useful discussions with our candidates and also the chairman of the local campaign Council in Anambra State. Anambra had always been populated by the PDP. Unfortunately, because of one issue or the other we have always run into problems.
“We want to reassure the party that we are going to put in all, to ensure that we reconcile everyone, and that we go into that election as one body. And that definitely we’re going to win that election by the special grace of God.
“We know our people in Anambra, we know that they are party people, we know also that there have been issues in the past, that those issues that divide us. We are going to work day and night to ensure that we all step out from our comfort zones and step into the field to talk to the people, and to win back all who have left the party, as much as possible,” he said.
The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar called for understanding and total reconciliation of party faithful across the country.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has signed the 2026 State Appropriation Bill into Law, describing it as “a breath of fresh air” and the beginning of a new chapter of unity and progress for the State.
At a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara expressed gratitude to God, stakeholders, and the State House of Assembly for the successful passage of the budget.
“First of all, we want to thank the Almighty God for making this day a reality. I strongly believe that it is a breath of fresh air and a healthy relationship moving forward,” he said.
The governor commended the State lawmakers for their diligence and speed in handling the budget at a critical time in the State’s history.
“I thank members of the State House of Assembly for a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, to the “Rivers First” mantra, and pledged that the 2026 budget will be implemented with the people’s welfare as the central focus.
“ I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear State,” he said.
Fubara specially acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process that led to the passage of the bill and its eventual signing into law.
“Let me also thank our leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, for facilitating this meeting and this process that we are all signing into,” he stated.
Fubara pledged to ensure a cordial working relationship with all arms of government and stakeholders going forward.
“Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward,” he said.
The governor also appreciated his family for their support, noting that governance is a collective responsibility.
Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack, who had earlier presented the bill to the governor for his assent, said the lawmakers passed the budget with the best of intentions, believing that it will be implemented accordingly for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.
“It is the expectation of the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, that this budget will usher in the desired growth and development of the state. It is therefore with a sense of responsibility that I respectfully present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill No 1. 2026 to the Governor of Rivers State for his assent,” Jack said.
In a remark shortly after the bill had been signed, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule commended Governor Fubara for the various provisions made in the budget, describing them as indications that the Fubara administration is prepared to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
“We took time to look at the budget and from what we saw, we want to tell you that it shows that you are willing to move forward and ensure that this democracy is actually what will get to Rivers people,” Amaewhule said.
The ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, Principal Officers of the State House of Assembly, and other government functionaries.
At a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to God, stakeholders, and the State House of Assembly for the successful passage of the budget.
“First of all, we want to thank the Almighty God for making this day a reality. I strongly believe that it is a breath of fresh air and a healthy relationship moving forward,” he said.
Governor Fubara commended the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly particularly, for their diligence and speed in handling the budget at a critical time in the state’s history.
“I thank members of the State House of Assembly for a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life,” he said.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, to the “Rivers First” mantra, and pledged that the 2026 budget will be implemented with the people’s welfare as the central focus.
“ I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state,” he said.
Governor Fubara specially acknowledged the role of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process that led to the passage of the bill and its eventual signing into law.
“Let me also thank our leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike for facilitating this meeting and this process that we are all signing into,” he stated.
The Governor also appreciated his family for their support, noting that governance is a collective responsibility. He further pledged to ensure a cordial working relationship with all arms of government and stakeholders going forward.
“Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward,”
Governor Fubara said.
Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack, who had earlier presented the bill to the Governor for his assent, said the lawmakers passed the budget with the best of intentions, believing that it will be implemented accordingly for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.
“It is the expectation of the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, that this budget will usher in the desired growth and development of the state. It is therefore with a sense of responsibility that I respectfully present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill No 1. 2026 to the Governor of Rivers State for his assent,” Jack said.
In a remark shortly after the bill had been signed, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the various provisions made in the budget, describing them as indications that the Fubara administration is prepared to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
“We took time to look at the budget and from what we saw, we want to tell you that it shows that you are willing to move forward and ensure that this democracy is actually what will get to Rivers people,” Amaewhule said.
The ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, Principal Officers of the State House of Assembly, and other government functionaries.