PDP faction state chairmen, others shun Tukur’s meeting

 

The seven states whose governors joined the Abubakar Baraje-led breakaway faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday stayed away from the meeting convened by PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. 

 

Besides the seven, ten others did not attend the meeting, where those present pledged their loyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan and the party’s national chairman.

States whose chairmen did not show up at the meeting were: Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger and Kwara. Also, factional chairmen loyal to Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) were also absent.

Tukur told the gathering of state chairmen that only the PDP can guarantee Nigeria’s unity and that of the West African sub-region. He added that there is hope for the nation under the Jonathan’s administration.

The chairman said no other party has a national spread like the PDP, adding that the chairmen were the managers of the party at the state level.

Tukur enjoined them to defend the interests of the PDP at all times, stressing that “it is possible to have dissidents and it is also possible to have good men to defend what the party stands for.”

He stated further: “Today, no party in Nigeria has the spread like PDP. That means the people accept our party and that means it is a big responsibility; hence the people believe there must be equity and justice.

“I am analogue, while you are digital. I will give you wisdom to tackle tomorrow. We believe that every member of the party has the right to express himself. Majority will always have their way, while minority will have their say.”

In a communiqué issued by the state chairmen and signed by their leader, Mr. Emmanuel Agbo (Benue) and Makanjuola Ogundipe (Ekiti) they declared support for President Jonathan and Tukur.

The communique reads: “We believe in the structure of this party, we do not intend to have disunited and fragmented party at the state and local level.

“We are prepared to carry out the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and (NWC) of the party, while we shall ensure discipline and membership drive.”

The seven states whose governors joined the Abubakar Baraje-led breakaway faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday stayed away from the meeting convened by PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Besides the seven, ten others did not attend the meeting, where those present pledged their loyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan and the party’s national chairman.

States whose chairmen did not show up at the meeting were: Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger and Kwara. Also, factional chairmen loyal to Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) were also absent.

Tukur told the gathering of state chairmen that only the PDP can guarantee Nigeria’s unity and that of the West African sub-region. He added that there is hope for the nation under the Jonathan’s administration.

The chairman said no other party has a national spread like the PDP, adding that the chairmen were the managers of the party at the state level.

Tukur enjoined them to defend the interests of the PDP at all times, stressing that “it is possible to have dissidents and it is also possible to have good men to defend what the party stands for.”

He stated further: “Today, no party in Nigeria has the spread like PDP. That means the people accept our party and that means it is a big responsibility; hence the people believe there must be equity and justice.

“I am analogue, while you are digital. I will give you wisdom to tackle tomorrow. We believe that every member of the party has the right to express himself. Majority will always have their way, while minority will have their say.”

In a communiqué issued by the state chairmen and signed by their leader, Mr. Emmanuel Agbo (Benue) and Makanjuola Ogundipe (Ekiti) they declared support for President Jonathan and Tukur.

The communique reads: “We believe in the structure of this party, we do not intend to have disunited and fragmented party at the state and local level.

“We are prepared to carry out the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and (NWC) of the party, while we shall ensure discipline and membership drive.”