Harmonize Delegates’ List Now – PDP NWC Orders C-River Chapter

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The crisis rocking the Cross River Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may soon be over if aggrieved factions pander to decisions taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the country’s main opposition Party

As a way forward, the NWC has has directed the chapter to immediately harmonize different delegates’ lists ahead of the twice postponed PDP state congress now slated for next month

So far, the PDP state congress has suffered repeated rescheduling due to contentions and lack of consensus among major party stakeholders on a mutually acceptable list of delegates

Accordingly, the NWC has reminded party faithful across the state that in line with existing party’s policy guidelines, governors remain the authentic and indisputable PDP leaders in their respective states.

Speaking on the protracted disagreement that has made it impossible for the party to conduct its state congress, Cross River Chapter Chairman of PDP, Ntufam Edim Inok, told Forefront that appropriate steps are being taken to engage all party stakeholders and ensure everyone key into the NWC’s position.

He said conscious efforts were on at reconciling all aggrieved members, assuring that as a united family, the State party chapter is bound to accept decisions reached by the PDP national leadership

Ntufam Inok noted that the NWC’s position is really nothing new because since 1999, the PDP, as a party, has always accorded recognition to Governors as leaders of the Party in their respective states and Cross River cannot be an exception at this point.

On reasons behind the Party’s inability to conduct its state congress, Inok admitted that disagreements do erupt in any family setting, but added that as true party faithful, members not lose sight of the fact that Governor Ben Ayade, as the Party leader deserves respect, especially given his untiring efforts at ensuring the State remains a PDP stronghold in the South-South geo-political zone.

Insiders however hinted that it remains to be seen how the NWC’s directives will play out given the seeming unbending positions of some angry stakeholders, including National Assembly (NASS), who have constantly complained about the governor’s overbearing attitude on all party matters in the State.

For now, as tension continues to mount over the factions’ disputations and superiority battle, security has been beefed up at the state Party secretariat located along Murtala Mohammed Highway.

Security personnel drafted to maintain peace and order around the area were seen screening visitors while a Mobile Police Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) is currently stationed directly in front of the Party Secretariat’s entrance