*As Osun Gov assures party will bring progress to the states
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday inaugurated its National Campaign Councils for the Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi governorship elections fixed for Saturday November 11, with a charge to them (councils) to ‘go and conquer.’ the three states for the party.
The acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum gave the charge at the presentation of certificates of return and inauguration of the campaign councils at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata, Abuja.
Speaking at at the well attended event shortly before the inauguration, Damagum enjoined members of the campaign team in the three states to deploy their knowledge of the political terrain to woo supporters to the party and vote the PDP candidates on November 11.
The PDP acting National Chairman advised members of the campaign teams not to do anything unlawful, arguing that the fact that other parties do such things, is not enough for PDP members to do the same.
According to him, “You have been selected carefully because of what you can do, regardless of where you come from. We have confidence in you that you will go there and conquer. We expect nothing but victory.
“You are going in at a time whereby the country, as it is, everybody is feeling the burden of the mistakes that have happened in this country.
“What is expected of you is go there and remind them that this is not what we bargained for, and that there is a time God in his infinite mercy, give us to change the course of history, and this is the time.
“We will have Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi. These are PDP states. Somehow, they slipped away but Bayelsa has always had a PDP governor.
“I want to challenge everyone in this country to look at the states governed by PDP governors viz-a-viz the other parties. We have always excelled.
“I want to use this opportunity to congratulate you and urge you to do what you know how to do best and at the same time, play within the rules. “Everybody knows that our party has always respected the rule of law. The fact that they are doing the contrary does not mean we should change our minds. We should not follow them; we should always play by the rules”, he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Bayelsa State Governor and candidate of the PDP for the ekection, Senator Duoye Diri categorically said that that PDP is a united party in the state, stressing that on a scale of 100, the party enjoys 80 per cent compared with 20 per cent for others.
Answering journalists’ questions, the Bayelsa State Governor said, “PDP is very sure of victory in Bayelsa State. We don’t have any internal crisis in the PDP in Bayelsa State.
“We are well organized and as a matter of fact, we have more members of the opposition coming into PDP in Bayelsa State.
“Bayelsa PDP is very strong, vibrant and poised to the win the election. If I should give you on a scale, it would be like 80-20 per cent.
“Bayelsans have resolved, unanimously, that PDP as exemplified by me, don’t need to change players in a winning team,” he said.
The governorship candidate for Imo State and National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu similarly expressed optimism on the chances of the PDP in the State.
According to him, “Imo is traditionally a PDP State. What you have there now is a product of the court. I am back to reclaim the mandate of the PDP”.
Similarly, the governorship candidate of the party in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye, assured that with him as the PDP flag bearer, the All Progressives Congress would become history in November.
His words, “I just want to announce that as far as this election is concerned in Kogi State, APC is history. APC has gone to oblivion. PDP is the party to beat in Kogi State and I assure the people of Kogi State, that my name is Daniel and Daniel is used to taming lions. I befriend lions, I kiss lions and subdue lions.”
While however responding on behalf of
the Chairmen of the Governorship Campaign Councils for the three states, Governor Ademola Adeleke described the PDP as a widely beloved political party that has worked and is still working to satisfy the aspirations of our people.
In the words of the Governor who goes by the appellation ‘Imole’ (light), “PDP is light. We bring true development to the people and the state.
“In Osun State, we are showing the world what democracy is all about: development and progress for the state and the people.
“When you vote PDP, you vote light, development and progress. Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States want light and good governance.
“We will work hard to deliver our governorship candidates. Light will prevail over darkness in all these forthcoming elections,” he said.
Among those present at the ceremony were; Governors Duoye Diri, Ademola Adeleke, Prof Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information; Capt Idris Wada, ex-Governor of Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye; Chief Mike Oghiadome, former Deputy Governor of Edo State,
Senator Biodun Olujimi, Hon Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon. CID Maduabum, Director-General of PDP Governors’ Forum,
Capt Umar Bature, Nayional Organizing Secretary of PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary, PDP, Senator Sam Anyawu, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party, Hon. Kola Ologbondiyan, immediate past National Publicity Secretary of PDP and Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.
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