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2019 in focus as PDP leaders, governors meet in Enugu

By Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) and Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu (Benin City) c
13 November 2017   |   4:30 am
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met yesterday in Enugu to deliberate on the Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, the 2019 polls and election of national officers.

Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi

Obaseki, Dickson call for prayers, support

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met yesterday in Enugu to deliberate on the Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, the 2019 polls and election of national officers.

The Guardian gathered that the meeting became necessary following alleged divisions in the party over its national convention where the officers would emerge, as well as the presidential election in which one of them, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, has declared interest.

Another source claimed that the plan by the party to challenge the incumbent administration in 2019 is being threatened by what was described as worrisome sound beats from some of its members.

Essentially, PDP is worried that while it is working to ensure the emergence of a candidate that could challenge President Muhammadu Buhari, some of its members are openly announcing support for him.

At the weekend, however, campaign posters of the former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, announcing his intention to vie in the 2019 presidential election flooded Enugu State.

“The meeting therefore is to take a resolute stand on some of these issues, because whether you like it or not, some of the positions being taken by the governors are disturbing. Ebonyi State governor has openly canvassed support for Buhari. So there is need for them to be on the same page if they must snatch power from the incumbent administration,” the source said

On the Anambra election, he said the meeting would be briefed on the efforts so far by some of the governors who are members of the committee set up by the PDP to ensure the party wins.

Those in attendance include members of the National Caretaker Committee led by Ahmed Makarfi, PDP national chairmanship aspirants, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Raymond Dokpesi, Uche Secondus and Rashidi Ladoja.

Also in attendance are Governors Fayose (Ekiti), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Ben Ayade (Cross River), Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Darius Ishiaku (Taraba), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) and Ebonyi Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.

Meanwhile, governors of Edo and Bayelsa states, Godwin Obaseki and Seriake Dickson yesterday called for prayers from the citizens of their states and the country to remain focused in the face of daunting governance challenges.

They made the call in Benin City at a thanksgiving service to mark the one-year anniversary of Obaseki.Dickson said governors who are always on hot seat as a result of the economic recession need the prayers of the citizens to lead the people through the right way.

Obaseki said “I thank God almighty for his guidance of my family, for members of my cabinet, member of our great party. I appreciate members of the clergy who have prayed for our state and people for the last one year for the success of our administration, they have prayed for the peace and tranquility of our state, the Lord has heard our prayers.”

In his address, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Oyonude Kure called on the governor to build on the legacies laid by his predecessor, Oshiomhole.

“You must consistently and commitedly involve God throughout your tenure in office and in all that you do. Always make sure you are on the Lord’s side.
“Get at work now with the totality of your being as a man of vision, action, diligence that we know you to be.

“It is the uncommon impact of your work that will endear you to the heart of your people. Let your works speak for you. Your predecessor in office, the Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole, laid a very solid and concrete foundation, which is undeniable, incontestable and generational. Edo people will ever remember his good works and indisputable legacy. Evidently, he has made marks in the sand of time which cannot be erased.”

Also present at the ceremony held at the tennis court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium were the governors of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ogun State,  Ibikunle Amosun represented by his Deputy, Chief Yetunde Onanuga, Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, his Niger Delta Counterpart, Pastor Usani Usani.

Others included former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, and others.

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