Anambra PDP holds congress amidst protest

www.odogwublog.com reports that against the rumoured shift of the congresses of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) , it kicked off Tuesday amidst protest, as the party’s leaders , stakeholders and elders were absent from the exercise.
The five-man congress committee panel of the PDP was led by Mr. Ike Abonyi. Other members are Bolarinwa Oluwaseun, Hon Mahmoud Bichi, Nuah Babatunde ,and Barr Ugo Uyawunne serves as the committee secretary.
Some of the stakeholders of the party, led by comrade Tony Nwoye, Governorship candidate of the party in the state, told reporters Tuesday that if the National Working Committee (NWC) fails to shift the congress for at least five days, that they would explore other options.
The stakeholders who boycotted by the PDP congress included Senators Uche Ekwunife, Stella Oduah, Andy Uba, Chief Chris Uba, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, Prince Arthur Ezeh, Sir Emeka Offor, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Senator Joy Emodi, and Senator Ben Ndi-Obi among others.
Nwoye who was surrounded by over 50 stakeholders of the party while briefing the newsmen, said 98 percent of PDP members in the state were not aware of the exercise. He claimed it was because of the public holidays, and that those aspiring for positions in the state party did not purchase forms.
According to Nwoye, “we challenge them to show us where they have published the names of those to conduct the congress as stipulates by the PDP guidelines.
“Our members should be set for the next line of action within few days, if this impunity by some members of the party is not reversed, our Senators in the party were not aware of what is going on in the state, the acting National chairman of the party, Uche Secondus had been notified.”
Nwoye, stated that it was an anathema for the publicity secretary of the party to sign an announcement for congress of the party, adding that it was the duty of the organizing secretary.
“There is no congress going on anywhere in the state, Metuh has written names of his stooges because, he wants to become National organizing secretary of the party in November, 2015.”
Nwoye, further said that the former vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme would be notified on the decision of the stakeholders as it concerns the congress, being the founder of PDP in Nigeria.
“We do not want to give ultimatum to NWC, but the stakeholders will be meeting six hourly waiting for the final decision of the party, before we take our final decision on our next move in the next few days.”
However, the leader of the five-man congress committee of PDP, Mr. Ike Abonyi told newsmen after visiting some centres in some of the wards, that they were satisfied with the turnout of PDP members, adding that it had shown that Anambra was PDP state.
He said it was preparatory for the 2017 Governorship elections in the state, adding that the party was determined to take Anambra back to PDP.
Abonyi, further commended the party members for the peaceful manner the congresses had gone in ward 7, Umuokpu in Awka South Council Area, Otolo Nnewi ward 1 in Nnewi North Council Area, and Ukpo ward 1 in Dunukofia Council Area.
On the crisis and boycott of the congress by some stakeholders, Abonyi said that NWC approved the congress, adding that anybody who failed to participate should channel his or her grievances to the three man appeal committee of PDP or National Executive Council (NEC) of (PDP).
Former chairman of the party, Prince Ken Emeakayi, re-contesting for the position is likely to emerge as the new chairman, against the position of stakeholders meeting where it was resolved that Anambra Central would produce the next PDP Chairman in Anambra state.
The meeting was held at Ekwunife’s residence and attended by well menaing party members including former Governor Peter Obi.