…Donate Computers, Printers, Television Sets, Other Items For The Secretariat
MAKURDI: A frontline contender for the position of National Chairmanship of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), from Benue State, Engr Conrad Utaan, has knocked off Senator Gabriel Suswam from the arrangement of those that should be considered for the position of the national chairmanship of the party.
Even though he did not specifically mention the name of Senator Suswam, who is a former governor of the state, his argument that the position should be ceded to Benue North West senatorial district, where the former national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu came from, automatically knocks off Suswam, who hails from Benue North East senatorial district, from the arrangement.
Utaan who made the postulation while on a consultation and solidarity visit to the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Benue state chapter of the PDP, also donated computers, printers, television sets, digital satellite television systems among other items, for the new secretariat of the party.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson for Engr. Utaan National Chairmanship Campaign – 2024, Chief Bemgba Iortyom and made available to Daily Independent in Makurdi on Wednesday, Utaan argued that as the sole nominee from Benue North West, he should be given the position.
Utaan who was received on the occasion by the State Chairman of the party, Rt Hon Ezekiel Adaji during the visit, on behalf of the SWC of the party, emphasized that his ambition was premised “on the unwavering loyalty and belief in the party’s culture of equity, fairness and justice to all of its members.”
He further stated that he was at the secretariat of the party to familiarize himself with the new headquarters of the PDP in Benue, and formally intimate the SWC of his desire to serve the party as National Chairman.
According to Chief Bemgba Iortyom, “He (Utaan) pointed to provisions in the party’s Constitution which require that the vacancy created in the office of National Chairman by the ouster Dr. Iyorchia Ayu last year be filled by someone from the same place where he (Dr. Ayu) hails from, which he stressed is the Benue North-West (Zone ‘B”) senatorial district.
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“Engr. Utaan added that as the only contender to the position from Zone ‘B’, the Benue State Executive Committee (SEC) of the party will be doing the right thing to adopt him as the sole nomineee from the state to complete the tenure of the National Chairman which he emphasised belongs to the North-Central as a region, Benue as a state and Benue North-West as a zone.
“By the zoning arrangement in the party, and in the wisdom of its leaders, the position of National Chairman in 2022 was given to the North-Central and Benue North-West in particular, and it is only fair and equitable that someone from the zone fill the existing vacancy and serves out the tenure, as to do otherwise would be to shortchange the party’s members in the zone.
“He (Utaan) further buttressed that his ambition represents a unique opportunity for the PDP to present to Nigeria youthful leadership which will be driven by innovation and attract to the party followership from the largest voting demography of persons between the ages of 18 and 50 years who form about 72% of the country’s electorate.’
Furthermore, Iortyom noted that “Engr. Utaan, however, assured that his ambition is primarily to safeguard the interest of the North-Central and not a personal one, as such he would abide by the decision taken by the national leadership of the party in line with its Constitution, pledging to remain loyal and always put the party first in all his decisions if he becomes its National Chairman or even if he does not.”
Responding, the State Chairman of the party, Rt. Hon. Adaji, commended Engr. Utaan for his courage and clarity of thought, even as he assured Utaan of the support of the SWC, tasking him to continue on his consultation and keep in regular touch with party leaders and stakeholders in and outside the state.
In separate remarks at the occasion, Dan Nyikwagh, State Secretary of the PDP; State Treasurer, Tivkaa Zuana; Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor; the Auditor, Ms. Vera Akua among other officials of the party, extolled the qualities of the aspirant, whom they lauded as intelligent, courageous and fit to be entrusted with the party’s top job
Giving the vote of thanks and closing remarks, State Deputy Chairman, Rt. Hon. Azua Ashongo, appreciated the goodwill and support continuously being extended to the party and, in particular the new State Exco, by Engr. Utaan, all through the congresses to date, appreciating the donation to the secretariat as unprecedented.
He prayed that God would continue to protect and guide Utaan and grant him success to emerge as National Chairman of the PDP.
