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PDP NEC Fixes Elective Convention In Abuja, Oct 30
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved Abuja as venue for the party’s elective national convention scheduled for October 30 and October 31.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, disclosed this while reading the resolutions of the party’s 92nd NEC meeting held, last Saturday, in Abuja.
Ologbondiyan said that the NEC would also meet on September 9, to review nominations and adopt zoning of national offices of the party.
“NEC has resolved that Abuja will be the venue of the PDP national elective convention slated for October 30.
“NEC will meet on September 9, to approve the various nominations into the respective national convention committees.
Ologbondiyan said that the party remained united and working assiduously toward removing the All Progressives Congress (APC) by 2023.
He urged members to continue to make personal sacrifices in the overall interest of the party.
“The NEC urges Nigerians to take a cue from our deliverables in our respective states as a sign of the improvements that our party wishes to deliver when elected in 2023
“NEC is confident that the PDP has earned the trust of Nigerians once again and our party will do better when given the opportunity to lead the nation.”
Ologbondiyan said that NEC condemned the harassment and intimidation of media outfits as a ploy to stifle freedom of speech.
Earlier in his remarks at the opening of the meeting, the acting National Chairman of PDP, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi, said that the various interventions in the party leadership crisis were yielding desire results.
Akinwonmi said the meeting was to discuss the party’s forthcoming elective national convention proposed for October 30.
Akinwonmi appealed to party leaders and members to resist every attempt to sow disunity among them, urging everyone to work together to salvage the country.
“You are aware of the series of activities of our leaders to foster cohesion in the party. I am pleased to announce to you all that those interventions are yielding desired results.
“Let me say clearly that Nigerians are looking up to PDP to salvage this country,” Akinwonmi said.
He decried the various challenges facing the country including insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, as well as unemployment and lost value of naira, saying something must be done to address the challenges.
In his remarks, the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Hon Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, pledged the commitment of the forum members to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to their states and loyalty to PDP.
Tambuwal, while commending various interventions into the party challenges by leaders and elders, called for unity among members.
He said that while challenges, disputes and disagreements are part of life and politics, what was important was how they were resolved.
He stated that all mechanisms were activated to resolve all PDP issues.
“We shall continue to hold and remain together because we are the hope of the people of Nigeria and Nigerians are looking forward to PDP and we cannot afford to fail them.
“The challenges are quite many and it is important for us to continue to work together as a family.
“We are going into warfare and we must go to warfare in unity and as a family, you cannot win if you are divided.
“So, let’s not lose hope. We must remain focused with our eyes on the ball. And we shall, by the grace of God, score that goal,” Tambuwal said.
The Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, said it was now clear to everyone that PDP was united and moving forward.
Abaribe urged Nigerians to give PDP their votes in 2023 to return the country to the path of greatness.
He pledged that PDP caucus in the Senate would continue to work in the best interest of the party and the nation.
“We will continue to fight, to make sure that any law that is obnoxious, any law that does not give us freedom, any law that seems to circumscribe your freedom in Nigeria, we will never agree with that law,” Abaribe said.
On his part, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said Nigeria should no longer be in doubt of the PDP’s sense of patriotism and commitment to get Nigeria moving again.
“We are being taken aback by the APC government and we have shown to Nigerians that when we are trusted again and we will do even much better than we had done before,” Abubakar said.
He said that PDP in crisis was better and more efficient.
“If you look at PDP, it has the most experienced people in this country, whether in the executive wing, whether in the legislature, whether in party administration.
“We have the most experienced and most competent individuals in this party.”
The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sen. Walid Jibrin, who commended the votes of confidence passed in him by the board members, said PDP was now more strengthened than ever before.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, said the commitment of PDP leaders demonstrated that the party would always summon any challenge that came its way.
Elumelu, who was represented by Hon Gideon Gwani (Kaduna State), urged party members to sheath their swords, reconcile their differences and jettison all personal interests and lead by example through all efforts that will give hope.
“I am sure that a new government of our party can return our nation to the path of peace stability and progress.”
At the meeting were PDP governors, NEC members, BoT members, National Assembly caucus and states chairmen.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.