The Alhaji Baraje led faction of the ruling party called ‘New PDP’ has shown resolve in its moves to forge its own destiny as it yesterday announced the appointment of more members into its National Working Council.
The announcement came less than 72 hours after the Nigerian Police sealed off its National secretariat in Abuja, and while President Jonathan prepared for peace talks with PDP-elected governors to continue today in Abuja.
Announced as members of the NWC of the New PDP include:
- Maode Hiliya – deputy national secretary
- Timi Frank – national youth leader
- Binta Koje – national women leader
- Mallam Nasir Issa – national organizing secretary
- Chief Chukwuemeka Eze – national publicity secretary
- Aliyu Wadaa – national financial secretary
- Mallam Tanko Gomna – national treasurer
It was not stated where and when the elections held, however several state PDP chapter chairmen were absent from a meeting held in Abuja, Monday night, with Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Those absent were from Bayelsa, Bauchi, Edo, Borno, Taraba, Kano, Sokoto, Kwara, Abia, Enugu, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Imo, Kebbi, Delta, and Anambra states.
Those from Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Cross River, Adamawa, Yobe, Ekiti, Benue, Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Nasarawa, Ondo, Lagos, Gombe, Ogun, Osun and Plateau states and the FCT were in attendance.
Chairman of the Conference of the PDP State Chairmen, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, excused his colleagues who he said were absent for one reason or the other but affirmed that decisions made by those present were endorsed by all PDP men.
He said, “The decisions we took at the meeting were endorsed by our colleagues, whether present or not. But if you doubt me, I can call and put them on the speaker phone.”
Also speaking at the meeting, Tukur said, “Today, no party in Nigeria has spread like PDP and that means that people accept our party. It means also that it is a big responsibility, hence the people believe there must be equity and justice. I am analogue, while you are digital. I will give you wisdom to tackle tomorrow and we believe that every member of the party has the right to express himself. But the majority will always have their way while minority will have their say.”