Politics
Diri Predicts End To PDP Crisis
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the crisis rocking the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will soon be resolved.
The governor noted that the party remains the most virile opposition party in the country and that it would surmount its challenges and return to power again at the centre.
He also assured that the party would not go under as there was no democracy without opposition.
Governor Diri stated this during the state congress of the party at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa.
”The drama at the national level of our party: We’re working to resolve it. This party will not go down. No democracy without opposition.
“The PDP is the main opposition party and it will continue to play its role until it captures power again”, he said.
He lauded members of the state chapter of the party for their loyalty and commitment to the growth of the PDP and the development of the state, noting that they had contributed, in no small measure, to the success of the party in the state, having built consensus across all the local governments, which resulted in the rancour-free state congress.
The state’s chief executive urged the new exco to continue in the spirit that has made the party successful in the state since 1999, noting that some did not return due to zoning and constitutional issues.
Governor Diri appreciated the chairman and members of the state congress committee, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observer team, delegates from across the state and all those who contributed to the success of the congress.
“Our party exudes love and since the beginning of this democratic dispensation in 1999, we have been in charge in this state.
“Our party has delivered so much in Bayelsa State in terms of development and good governance. That would not have been possible without the loyalty and commitment of members of the party, I urge you to continue.
“I also thank the panel for a job well done and all our delegates.
“It is difficult to manage victory. Now that you have returned, do not deviate. Continue on this path so that we will continue to be strong. Your victory calls for more service to our people”, he said.
In his acceptance speech, re-elected chairman of the PDP in the state, Solomon Agwana, expressed appreciation to leaders and members of the party for the confidence reposed in him and members of the Exco.
He assured that they will continue to pilot the party’s affairs in line with its constitution and support Governor Diri to deliver on his mandate.
In his remarks, chairman of the electoral committee of the congress, Hon. Olasupo Abiodun, commended party members for playing by the rules and conducting themselves orderly, saying that his committee was satisfied with the entire process.
Other members of the new executive council include, Ben George Odon (Deputy Chairman), Gesiye Isowo (Secretary), ‘ Barr. Andi Newman Obed (Vice Chairman, Bayelsa East), Chief Nathan Wisdom (Vice Chairman, Bayelsa Central) and Ebikidimie Tobi (Vice Chairman, Bayelsa West)
They also include: Barr. Christopher Kainga (Legal Adviser), Indutimi Opurupelebo (Organising Secretary), Elder Luke Demoru (Treasurer), Mrs. Christie Ebbeli (Women Leader) and Ebiye Ogoli (Publicity Secretary)
The rest are: Amalala Godwin (Financial Secretary), Akuakwa Akuakwa (Auditor) and Didi Oyisor (Youth Leader).
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
In a statement on Saturday, the former Senate Leader stated that the allocation of nominees across states and geopolitical zones falls short of the constitutional requirement for fair representation in the composition of the Federal Government.
The ex-Senate Whip warned that allowing the list to pass could deepen ethnic suspicion at a time when the administration should be consolidating national unity.
He highlighted disparities in the spread of nominees, noting that while some states have three or four slots, others have none. He also cited the inclusion of Senator Adamu Garba Talba from Yobe, who reportedly died in July.
“The entire North-East states have seven nominees in the list. Further checks revealed that the South-West geo-political zone has 15 nominees, while North-West and South-East have 13 and 9, respectively.
“North-Central region has 10 nominees in the list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominee while South-South parades 12 nominees,” Senator Ndume said.
According to him, such imbalances could heighten tensions and undermine Section 14(3) of the Constitution.
“My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical juncture in his administration, he should avoid missteps that could undermine national unity and foster ethnic distrust.
“I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country. He should withdraw that list and present a fresh set of nominees that will align with the spirit of the Constitution on the Federal Character Principle,” Senator Ndume added.
He accused the legislators of undermining the sanctity of the legislature and acting as instruments of destabilization.
“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress,” Comrade Ememobong stated, adding that “They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”
“So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” he said.
Comrade Ememobong announced that the party would deploy constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandate from those who have “ignobly and surreptitiously” abandoned the platform on which they were elected.
“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party which these people have now switched to another platform,” he said.
He urged party members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast.
“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness and equity,” Comrade Ememobong assured.
As the news of the defection of 17 members of Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP )to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to make the rounds, a cross section of Rivers people who spoke to The Tide have expressed varying views regarding the development.
At Etche, a senior lecturer with the Rivers State University, who did not want his name in print, said even though defection was the right of politicians, peace and stability remained more fundamental than any action that could further challenge the fragile political situation in the state at the moment.
He also warned that the situation should not be used to witch-hunt any one, adding that the state had suffered enough and needed to be at peace.
In his reaction, Engr Polycarp Geoffrey said even though citizens and residents of the state had cause to be concerned about the decision of the lawmakers, there was nothing to worry about if it was done in good faith.
“I don’t think there is any big deal about it – defection is defection. But people are worried because of past events in the state. So, for me, I don’t see anything about it”, he said.
Engr Geoffrey also urged the Governor Siminalayi Fubara to also openly declare political affiliation in a bid to douse the political tension in the state and to provide clarity regarding his future political direction.
Another respondent, Mr Ebere Alex, alleged ulterior motive behind the law makers’ defection but urged both the law makers and the governor to work for the peace and development of the state.
However, speaking on the development, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Hon Nname Ewor, told The Tide that said his party would reach out to the remaining lawmakers who have not defected.
He also denied an alleged internal squabble within the PDP, adding that there was no crisis in the party.
It would be recalled that 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, during plenary last Friday, announced their migration from the PDP to the APC, citing internal party crisis.
Other members who also defected were the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Dumle Maol, representing Gokana Constituency; House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, representing Akulga Constituency 1 and Deputy Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, representing Okrika Constituency; Hon. Solomon Wami, Port Harcourt Constituency 1 and Hon Granville Tekena Wellington representing Asari Toru Constituency 1; Hon. Ofiks Kagbang, representing Andoni Constituency; Hon. Peter Abbey representing Degema Constituency; Hon. Arnold Dennis representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency; Hon. Chimezie Nwankwor representing Etche Constituency 2 and Hon. Franklin Nwabochi representing Onelga Constituency 1.
The rest were, Hon. Azeru Opara, representing Port Harcourt Constituency 3; Hon. Smart Adoki representing Port Harcourt Constituency 2; Hon. Igwe Afforji ,Eleme Constituency and Hon. Lolo Opuende representing Akuku Toru Constituency 2.
By: John Bibor
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