By Michael Inyaregh
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Benue State chapter held her stakeholders’ meeting on sunday, at the party’s state secretariat, located at No. 1 Ochagu Lawani Street, New GRA, Makurdi.
The meeting was well-attended by party members from all three senatorial districts of the state.
The newly inaugurated members of the State Working Committee were introduced to the party leader, Senator Dr. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, who welcomed them with enthusiasm.
State Chairman Hon. Christian Adaba Abah, speaking on behalf of the party’s leadership, assured members of his total commitment to the development, growth and unity of the party. He emphasized that the party is ready to accommodate all members but will not tolerate saboteurs working for other parties for personal gains. He urged transactional members to be cautious, stating that the party is watching their actions.
In his keynote address, Senator Suswam acknowledged the efforts of Senator Orker Jev, Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, David Mark, Hon. Terngu Tsegba, Chile Igbawua, and others at both the state and national levels. He expressed concern over the complicity of Damagun, his secretary, and the national organizing secretary, which he believes are a threat to the party’s stability.
Senator Suswam instilled hope in party members, asserting that the sham created by Ortom in the acclaimed congresses would not stand. He noted that during the last BOT meeting, Damagun insisted on retaining his position despite the call for his resignation by the majority. Suswam pointed out that the PDP governors also believe Damagun should step down. He questioned how the opinions of four individuals could outweigh those of nine, affirming that the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24 must hold and the rule of law must take precedence.
He further emphasized that leadership is about the party whether he leads or another candidate outside Wike’s camp is chosen, he supports the decision.
Regarding the recent theft at the party secretariat, Suswam stated that law enforcement agencies are handling the matter and the thieves must return the stolen property. He reiterated the party’s objectives, insisting that the PDP will not yield to anything that undermines its goals. He added that any individual or group wishing to break away from the party is free to do so, but criminal activities such as stealing from him will not be tolerated.
In response, Elders Udugh Nyitse, Cletus Upaa and Sir John Ngbede who spoke on behalf of zones A B &C declared their unwavering commitment to the PDP. They affirmed that they have never left the party since our present democratic journey from 1999 and have no intention of doing so in the near future.They cautioned transactional politicians to stay clear of the PDP as the party is undergoes a rebuilding process, stating that they are not prepared to accommodate them.
Other speakers included former local government council chairmen, led by Hon. Agber Terseer; former Benue State House of Assembly members, led by Hon. Hyicent Nyakuma; former House of Representatives members, led by Hon. Benjamin Mzondu; and former PDP state chairmen, led by Hon. Mike Iduma. They condemned the actions of party saboteurs, asserting that the Benue PDP is not interested in dealing with cash and carry politicians. They noted that recent consultations regarding defections could ultimately benefit the party.
PDP members in the State Assembly stated that they only recognize the party’s secretariat at No. 1 Ochagu Lawani Street, affirming their commitment to the party’s leadership and direction.