By Kamil Opeyemi
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has warned former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido against what it called “unguarded” comments that are capable of undermining the cohesion of the party.
This was just as the party assured members that it is working to ensure that the interests of the party is protected in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers state.
Confirming its belief in the ability of Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum as the the Acting Chairman of the party, a statement by Debo Ologunagba said the party leadership is unwavering in providing steady and effective administration. The party said this regardless of what it called the “onslaught by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to decimate opposition and impose a One-Party State on our nation.”
“The NWC however expresses serious displeasure over incautious conduct, activities and unguarded utterances by certain leaders who are out to disparage critical Organs of the Party, inflame passions, cause division among members and bring our dear Party to public disrepute for their selfish reasons.
“Of particular reference is the deleterious public statement credited to the former Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency Sule Lamido, which was made apparently with the intent to inject bad blood and drag down our Party for self-seeking motives,” the statement said
The party said its NWC has received very disturbing reports that such “unscrupulous individuals are recruited by the One-Party-State seeking APC administration to undermine the cohesion that exists within the PDP which will enable it to effectively perform its opposition role for the sustenance of Democracy and the wellbeing of Nigerians.”
The party said it is unfortunate that such conducts, comments, utterances and betrayals are coming from individuals who have allegedly benefitted immensely from the PDP. It argued that those referred to have record and notoriety of brazenly betraying the Party in various elections and at slightest opportunity for their selfish interests.
The PDP said, “It is instructive to state that some of the challenges that plagued our Party in the recent past and those confronting it at the moment are traceable to the comments, utterances and actions of these unpatriotic individuals which are inconsistent with the opportunity that the Party gave them in the past.
“The minimum that Nigerians and indeed members of the PDP expect from such leaders is to show appreciation and commitment to the Party and the nation by engaging in constructive suggestions that will be in the interest of our Party and Nigerians with regard to good governance and not to engage in actions that undermine the genuine efforts being made by the leadership of the Party which may not be in line with their selfish political venture and expectations.
“These leaders must understand and recognize that their actions and utterances are not only inimical to the wellbeing of Nigerians but also in gross violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP, especially Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the Constitution of the PDP.”