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