Adeleye Kunle Reports
Senator Walid Jibrin, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), has urged party members to focus on how to win all positions to be contested in the 2023 elections while adhering to the party’s constitution, TrackNews reports.
The BoT chairman urged party members to remain calm and refrain from inciting resentment over the party’s crisis.
He sought support for the reconciliatory committee formed to bring back disgruntled party members, particularly Wike and his supporters.
According to TrackNews, the reconciliatory committee was formed in the aftermath of the controversies surrounding the announcement of Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as Atiku’s running mate.
Jibrin said in a statement yesterday, “I wish to call on all PDP members and all Nigerians to remain calm, never create bad blood and confusion on the state of our party.”
All efforts are being made on the ground to bring Governor Wike, the party, and the presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, back together.
“What is going on now should never be viewed as a problem, but rather as a misunderstanding within the party that will be resolved amicably.”
During this period leading up to the 2023 elections, we should focus on how to win all positions that will be contested and adhere strictly to the provisions of the party constitution.”
“My strong recommendation is that we support the current reconciliation committee, which has been formed to resolve all issues.”
Following that, the BoT, the party’s highest advisory organ, will provide more encouragement, leading to greater PDP success.”
But Wike appeared unconcerned about the PDP crisis.
The governor stated that anyone interested in voting in Rivers must travel to the state.
Wike spoke yesterday at the Rumuola-Ikwerre Road-Rumuokwuta Roundabout in Obio Akpor Local Government Area, which was inaugurated by former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke.
He declared that the state would no longer play the role of Father Christmas, distributing votes without first negotiating his people’s interests.
Wike, presumably referring to his party’s failed reconciliation efforts, stated that Rivers would remain strategic in any election and would not go looking for anyone.
His reconciliation team was recently in Port Harcourt, the state capital, where they waited for members of Atiku’s team to show up for a crucial peace meeting.
“I believe they must know us here because we have what it takes to deliver,” Wike said. They must come and get to know us. I’m not going to be able to find anyone. “You have to come here.” You cannot deprive my local government of over 600,000 votes. You can’t just take 3.2 million votes from my state.”
The governor insisted that the days of party supporters and the electorate voting and receiving nothing in return were over.
“If we were Father Christmas in the past, we will not be Father Christmas in the future.” If I should vote, you must tell me what is available to me. As a result, no one should bother himself. We will speak to our people at the appropriate time, and they will understand.” If you claim we don’t exist, we will tell you that you are incorrect. Nobody considers me to be their son. I am a Rivers State native. I’m working hard to bring in what will benefit Rivers State.”
