Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has said that the party will rescue Nigeria from total collapse.
Okowa, who is the Chairman, Accreditation Committee, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention, made the remark on Monday during a television programme. He said the way and manner his party conducted its internal affairs and particularly the recent National Convention in Abuja showed that there is unity within the main opposition party.
While admitting that the PDP’s convention was the beginning of the redemption process, he said Nigerians have seen that the PDP is more coordinated and ready to deliver the country from further collapse.
He said: “In the first instance, I agree with you that our National Convention was the beginning. That has sent the right message to all Nigerians.”
Okowa said Nigeria is currently bedeviled with many crises in many sectors of the economy, including security, finance, agriculture, job creation, poverty alleviation, health, infrastructures, to mention a few, adding that, this has made Nigerians uncomfortable and will lead them to make the right choice in the next general elections.
The governor added: “There are several crises and Nigerians are no longer comfortable and I believe that, Nigerians will make better choice of voting for the PDP come 2023.
“Looking at the totality of the challenges, you’ll agree with me that something needs to be done; we need to recreate hope for a new Nigeria and make the country a safe haven. And for that reason, we are presenting ourselves to redeem Nigeria from the present state of dissatisfaction we find ourselves.”
The governor also denied allegation of the PDP governors taking charge of the party structure, saying the party has always been conducting its affairs in a democratic way through intensive and extensive consultations.
He explained the absence of former President Gooluck Jonathan at the convention, saying nobody should read any meaning to that, as he (Jonathan) had earlier informed the party about his engagement outside the country during the period.
The governor said that with its convention, the PDP had once again demonstrated unity and respect for wishes of the people, saying the party has gone beyond imposition of officials over the people.
He said: “It is very clear to all that PDP is a party to support. With our convention, we were able to send the right message of unity to the whole nation. This also shows that PDP is still very strong and I am not aware of any issue of disagreement within our party.”
On the emergence of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as the next PDP chairman, Okowa said that was the choice of the North, saying he was confident that the region had made the right decision, expressing confidence on the chairman-designate.
His words: “The North made the choice and they chose him because of his pedigree.”
Though the governor denied allegations that the governors within the fold are wielding too much influence, he nevertheless admitted that since the party does not have a president, somebody will have to lead.
On why the PDP wants to take over the leadership of the country, Okowa said: “We are not competing with the APC anymore. The difference is clear between the PDP and the APC. The foundation laid by the PDP has been bastardised. The nation has gotten it all wrong by choosing the APC. It is quite clear that Nigeria is not moving in the right direction.”
credit- nation
