…Wants NWC correct discrepancies in party congresses
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on any member of the party invited by the Chief Tom Ikimi-led National Disciplinary Committee, to make him or herself available, emphasising that the party is supreme.
The board also want the National Working Committee (NWC) to correct discrepancies in the state congresses held in some parts of the country.
The BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, at the 78 meeting of the board, stated that the work of the Disciplinary and National Reconciliation Committees are vital in mending broken ties and strengthening the internal structures of the party.
Senator Wabara told the committees that constitutionality and the rule of law should be their guiding principles, adding that the committees cannot go wrong with these principle.
“We must recognise that the task ahead is significant. I want to remind the committees that they have a huge task ahead, and as the BoT, we will stand ready to lend a hand whenever needed.
“It is part of our responsibility to foster peace and unity among the members of our party, and we are always available to support these efforts,” he assured.
The former President of the Senate stated that PDP strength of lies in its ability to resolve internal conflicts, reminding party members that a house divided cannot stand.
According to him, it is collective responsibility of party members “to ensure that any issues or disputes within the party are addressed with diplomacy, sacrifice, patience and an unwavering commitment to unity.”
He noted that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike alluded to the principle obedient to rule of law recently on national television, and expressed the hope that the principle would be observed in the party.
“We really thank him for that, and hope that the committee will ride on this and achieve unity in this.
“Therefore implore any member invited by the committee, to submit himself or herself, because the party is supreme.
“We are one family, except we want to completely encourage and support the ruling party to turn Nigeria into a one party state
“We should not forget how it started in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The signs are here for everybody to see,” he said.
Wabara stressed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party scheduled on October 24, should hold, to “allow us to address pressing matters and strategise on the way forward for the PDP, especially as we gear up to future elections and prepare to strengthen our internal structures.”
The former Senate President disclosed that the BoT has received reports of the congresses conducted in some states, but regretted that these congresses were not conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the great party.
“In some instances, the congresses did not even hold as scheduled,” he observed, stating these discrepancies were of serious concern and should be address immediately.
“Therefore we are calling on the National Working Committee to ensure that these issues are swiftly resolved.
“It is crucial that any deviations from PDP guidelines are corrected, and where congresses did not hold new dates should be scheduled to ensure all party members have a fair and transparent opportunity to participate in the democratic process,” he advised.
Later in a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the BoT warned members against resort to litigations and urged them to always explore the party’s internal mechanisms on issues.
It expressed concern over the state of affairs of the PDP in Rivers State and said efforts should be intensified to find lasting solution to the issues.
“The NWC should urgently summon a meeting comprising of the NWC, PDP Governors’ Forum, leadership of PDP National Assembly caucus and BoT special committee to resolve the issues.