ABUJA – The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned that the country is not far from anarchy if it is kicked out of politics.
The BoT Chairman, Adulphus Wabara, who gave this warning on Thursday, also warned that the signs of crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo are here for everyone to see.
Speaking at the 78th BoT meeting, Wabara said, “As we continue on this journey, let us remember that the future of our party and indeed our country depends on the unity, integrity and hard work of each of us.
“The PDP remains the beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians, and it is our duty to ensure that we remain true to the principles upon which this great Party was founded. If the PDP Board of Trustees is kicked out of politics of Nigeria, then Nigeria is gone. And of course, what we will have is nothing but anarchy. Like I said earlier, we are almost getting there.
“We should not forget how it started in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The signs are here for everybody to see. I therefore urge all members of this board and indeed all party leaders to redouble their efforts in the months ahead, together, we can overcome any challenges that lie ahead and continue to steer our great party towards victory and prosperity.”
Wabara also spoke on the reports the board received on the congresses the party conducted, which were not done in full accordance with the guidelines of PDP in some states.
He, however, called on the party National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure that all the discrepancies noted were corrected, adding that the party should convey a meeting of the National Executive Council Committee (NEC) as scheduled for the 24th of October this year, to address pressing matters and strategize on the way forward for the PDP.
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He said: “The Board of Trustees has also received reports that in some states, these congresses were not conducted in full accordance with the guidelines of our great party. In some instances, the congresses did not even hold as scheduled.
“These discrepancies are of serious concern and it is essential that we address them immediately. Therefore we are calling on the National Working Committee to ensure that these issues are swiftly resolved. It is crucial that any deviations from PDP guidelines are corrected, and where congresses did not hold new dates should be scheduled to ensure all all party members have a fair and transparent opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
“While we celebrate our achievements, we must also acknowledge that the strength of our party lies in our ability to resolve internal conflicts. As we know, a house divided cannot stand, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that any issues or disputes within the party are addressed with diplomacy, sacrifice, patience and an unwavering commitment to unity.”
Commending the reconcilation committee, Wabara said, “I would like to take this opportunity to commend the reconciliation committee for their efforts so far in resolving disputes within the party, their work has been vital in mending broken ties and strengthening our internal structures.
“However, we must recognize that the task ahead is significant. I want to remind the committee that they have a huge task, task ahead, and as the Bot, we will stand ready to lend a hand whenever needed. It is part of our responsibility to foster peace and unity among the members of our party, and we are always available to support these efforts. Constitutionality and the rule of law should be the guiding principles of the committee. The committee cannot go wrong with these principle.
“After all, Honorable Wike has even alluded to this principle recently on national television. He said that the way forward is to follow the constitution and the rule of law. So we really thank him for that, and hope that the committee will ride on this and achieve unity in this party. I therefore implore any member invited by the committee, including the disciplinary committee, to submit himself or herself, because the party is supreme. We are one family, except we want to completely encourage and support the ruling party to turn Nigeria into a one party state, and I think we are almost there.”
The Acting National Chairman of PDP, Amb. Umar Damagum, who also spoke on the occasion, appreciated the BOT for their efforts and love for the party.
“Let me use this opportunity to welcome you all as we come to discuss the growth and the matters in our party today. I know it has not been easy, things are difficult, but all the same, you found it appropriate, because of your love for this party,” he said.
