Ahead of the 2015 presidential elections, stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South have thrown their weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan, and they have called on members to remain steadfast in their support for the party.
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, who led other party stalwarts to declare the support at an expanded caucus meeting in Asaba, Delta State, observed that the South-South has always promoted the unity and economic growth of the country.
“This meeting is taking place at a very critical period in the political history of the south-south zone and indeed in Nigeria,” Anenih said.
“It must have been prompted by certain social and political events of recent, which have brought to the fore issues concerning the political future of our country; that 2015 is already in the national consciousness can no longer be hidden. It is therefore the duty of our zone to work out how best to partake in the enterprise of charting a course that will bring maximum benefits to our people.”
He acknowledged the challenges currently confronting the country but urged political leaders to live up to expectation by joining hands with the Federal Government to proffer enduring solutions to security, increasing ethnic tension and infrastructural challenges.
He berated some members of the party for engaging in anti-party activities, stressing that governors and other political office holders wae duty-bound to reflect the views and aspirations of the people they represent.
On the activities of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Anenih: “I must say however that the recent activities of the NGF give cause for concern. Instead of keeping to its mission statement of providing a common platform for synergies, collaboration among interests, or serving as a bi-partisan lobby group which promotes and sustains democratic ethos, good governance in Nigeria, Africa and beyond, the NGF has turned itself into an anti-Federal Government group.
“Indeed, the general perception is that the NGF has become a formidable group of power wielders seeking to control government at all levels, including the federal government.”
Describing the PDP as the only party with a national appeal in the country, Chief Anenih also endorsed the formation of the party’s Governors’ Forum.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP National Assembly members from the zone, Majority Leader of Senate, Senator Ndoma Egba and Deputy Leader, Leo Ogor pledged to work for the collective good of the region and the party.
In separate remarks, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Chief Godswill Akpabio and host Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan emphasized the need for people of the region to rally round the president to maximize their God-given opportunity.
Akpabio enjoined members not to give in to the antics of the opposition, and assured that the party would work to increase its membership strength ahead of the 2015 election.
He also called for prayers for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, noting that if his administration fails, the zone has equally failed.
Foremost Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark expressed delight at the convocation of the meeting and called for its sustenance, as it has the potential to advance the political yearnings of the region.
