PDP not for sale, says BoT chairman
The
Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees
(BOT), Sen. Walid Jubril, said in Abuja on Friday that the party was not
for sale.
In
a goodwill message to the inauguration of the party's national
convention and financial committees, Jubril said that there were moves
to reconcile its feuding parties and that the BOT would ensure that
credible and upright people were elected.
''The
party is facing a very difficult time in its history and has tampered
with the ideals and formations of the founding fathers.
''We
have been playing, the party is supreme, the party is above all of us.
If you read our constitution it solves all these problems but today we
are facing a myriad of court cases.
''We
are, however, looking at reconciliation chaired by Prof. Jerry Gana so
we can look into the arguments and by God's grace, before the
convention, settle these matters.
''We
do hope that justice will be done and people will come to their senses.
We've passed the era of impunity, selfishness and will go by fairness
and justice,’’ he said.
He
said that the party was not for sale, adding: ``We are going to elect
upright and honest people who cannot be bought over, who will lead us.
''The BOT will not accept anyone brought in by force. We will give everyone a chance to elect the leader of their choice.''
Inaugurating
the committees, the Chairman of the party’s caretaker committee, Sen.
Ahmed Makarfi, said the decision to zone the chairmanship to the South
West was not to exclude anyone.
Makarfi said: ''Our role is to put the committee in place and inaugurate, not to assign roles. Zoning is not to exclude you.
''It
is important that members participate effectively because the
activities of the sub-committees will produce a quality convention. It
is important we are fair, just and play fairly.
''If
zoning does not favour you and you think you have a fair chance of
winning, it is up to you to campaign on your own, get delegates and go
into the election.''
Accepting
the committees, the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo,
represented by his deputy, Alhaji Iliya, said that ''the PDP remains the
most formidable and greatest party in Africa''.
In
another goodwill message, the Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Biodun
Olujimi, assured the gathering of support from the legislators at all
time.
''We want you to know that we are in support of the BOT and the caretaker committee.
''The challenges we have do not destroy us, the only thing that will mark us out is rising above the challenges.
''We are coming out strong and showing the people that this party remains the vehicle to take us back,'' Olujimi said.
The party convention is billed to hold on Aug. 17 in Port Harcourt.
The
disputed Chairman of the party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, had repeatedly
said the convention would not hold as the courts have ruled it illegal.
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