NAN-H-68
Victory
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, July 12, 2017 (NAN) Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi said Sen. Ahmed Makarfi’s victory on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership tussle at the Supreme Court on Wednesday as restoration of the nation’s democracy.
Umahi, who is the Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, described the judgment, which recognised Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of PDP as “justified’’.
He said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Uzor, that the judgment was critical to the restoration of democracy in the country.
“The situation creates room for the masses to freely choose their leaders, using political platforms as tools.
“God by the judgment has raised the banner of the party above destructive elements whose sole aim was to render it powerless,” the governor read.
He called for unity in the party, saying it was panacea for achieving victory in 2019 general elections.
In his reaction, former spokesman of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, said PDP needed more intervention of former President Goodluck Jonathan to refocus the party as it had survived the leadership crisis.
In a statement in Abuja, Metuh expressed optimism that the party would not face such challenges again.
“As we come out of this challenging experience, the PDP needs the former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to assist in navigating the waters.
“Indeed, his advice, goodwill, experience and democratic credentials are needed now more than before, to help the party to navigate through this very important period in its history,” he said.
Metuh added that the time had come for PDP members to rekindle the light and put the past behind them.
“Time has come to reach out to our brothers and sisters, those who left before the general elections, those that left during the period of the challenges, and even those who are on the other side of the divide.
“We must open the big umbrella once again to accommodate all Nigerians seeking true democracy.
“We need to come together to rebuild our nation and once more collectively enthrone a democratic order, an order that ensures that our nation survives and thrives again as a strong, united and prosperous country,’’ he said.
On his part, former chairman of the party in Enugu State, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, called for urgent rebuilding of the party to form an effective opposition, and urged member to close ranks.
He told newsmen in Enugu that by the Supreme Court judgment, the truth had prevailed and that there was light at the end of the tunnel.
“The next line of action is to plan for a convention to elect proper officers to avoid past mistakes.
“This is the time for party members to close ranks preparatory to 2019 general elections,” he said.
A youth leader in the party in the state, Mr Mike Madu, described the judgement as “good one for the youth’’ noting that only the PDP recognised the youth in its activities.
Madu said that time had come for the youth in the state to participate actively in politics and to shun violence and treachery. (NAN)
Reporters/MNA/OPI
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu and Olisa Ifeajika