Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, Emeka-Yellow Ikpegbu, has said that the recent declaration of support for Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State by the PDP Governors’ Forum, has vindicated the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and other members of the BoT.
Ikpegbu who commended the PDP Governors for rallying behind their own who is battling for political survival, said the position of the Governors was not different from that of Wabara and other BoT members.
He, therefore, wondered why some forces who he said were rattled by the open support of the PDP elders for Gov. Fubara, were calling for Senator Wabara’s head.
Recall that the PDP Governors had during their meeting last week in Jalingo, Taraba State, re-stated their unwaivering support for Gov. Fubara engaged in political battle with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, over the soul of Rivers State.
Meanwhile, 25 House of Assembly members loyal to Wike had since defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and have continued to threaten the Governor with impeachment.
The PDP Governors who met in Jalingo expressed their displeasure over attempts by some forces to whittle down the powers of the Rivers State Governor.
Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who read the Forum’s position, said the Forum would engage the National Working Committee NWC, of the party to revisit the controversial party congresses in Rivers with a view to “allowing Gov. Fubara to take his rightful leadership of the PDP in the state.”
Ikpegbu who commended the Governors for their courage to speak truth to power, said their position was a true reflection of the minds of progressives in the PDP.
He said it was absurd for anybody to think he could control a sitting Governor of a state or strip him of his legitimate rights as the leader of the ruling party in his state.
“As far as PDP constitution is concerned, Gov. Fubara remains the Leader of PDP in Rivers State,” he said.
Ikpegbu who was a former Commissioner in the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, ASOPADEC, told those crucifying Wabara for standing for the truth to have a rethink.
He said: “I don’t know why the BoT Chairman should be crucified for canvassing the same opinion that the Governors have expressed. Would those calling for Wabara’s head now say that the Governors are unfit to be Governors for toeing same line?”
“Wike should leave Fubara, Wabara and PDP alone and concentrate on his assignment as FCT Minister.”
The PDP chieftain warned against impunity which he said negatively affected PDP in the past.
He said that true party members should respect party hierarchy and constitution.
“The PDP has come a long way, and is blessed with an array of experienced elders and patriots ready to provide direction and guidance at any time not minding whose ox is gored.”
“We have accomplished men and women of integrity who should not allow any anomaly or illegality to take the place of norms in our great party, and that’s why we are speaking out irrespective of what or how any person feels.
“As the conscience of the party, the PDP BoT members are expected to stand on the side of truth and justice, insisting that the right things must be done at all levels of our party leadership. And that’s what they have done.
“PDP is a party built on equity and justice, and should not be run as a private estate,” he added.
Ikpegbu also emphasised the need to ensure transparency and equity in the party’s congresses in order to give all members a sense of belonging.
He said that for PDP to remain strong and successful in future elections, its leaders must uphold the core democratic tenets that have always been the bedrock of the party’s values.
The PDP chieftain, who urged the BoT members and elders of the party not to relent in their efforts to reposition the party, predicted a bright future for PDP ahead of 2027.
