2015: Challenges not peculiar to PDP – Tafida

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A House of Representatives aspirant from Kaduna-South Federal Constituency, Jibril Tafida has said that challenges are not peculiar to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a letter addressed to Kaduna South Local Government Chairman, Yaro Ibrahim Makera, titled: “Letter of intent to contest the position of member, Federal House of Representatives under Kaduna South Federal Constituency,” Tafida noted that despite the setback, the PDP-led government has achieved so much for the country.

The aspirant, who said that the purpose of writing the letter was to formally declare his intention to contest the position, urged members of the party to work hard so that the achievement the party has garnered over the years could be sustained.

Part of the letter reads: “over the years, PDP like every other political institution has achieved success as well as challenges and failing. But I am sure you will all agree with me that despite the setback of our recent past, a lot was achieved.

“No one among us today needs to be reminded anymore that PDP is facing one of the most serious contemporary challenges in its 16 years history as a national party as evidenced in the general loss of interest in its activities and programmes by some of our members, our supporters and the public. Challenges are normal in politics, no political party has operated the world over without them; and therefore not peculiar to PDP.

“In fact, it is worthy of note that in every circumstances, weakness and threats have the potential to make our party even stronger if strategically addressed and if other parties have been able to overcome similar or even tougher challenges, I see no reason why we can’t sail through ours as well, with hard work and a collective will to do so.

“With a legacy of commitment to service, I will endeavour to lead my team to do the best we can to overcome those critical challenges. That includes, tapping vast potentials, when you accord me the honour and opportunity to represent you.

“Among the actions required of all of us in the process is to reach out with the olive branch to those colleagues who have been frustrated or disappointed by the mistake of the past. We should prevail on all of those who have lost faith in the party and those who have almost succeeded in blackmailing it by their individual actions and pronouncement, to come back home.

“This approach, to me, will help re-orient our minds in redirecting our energies towards restoring dignity and public trust to our party once more. Then, unity and a collective sense of purpose will follow.”