Supreme Court On PDP: No Victor, No Vanquished – Mark, Mentuh

BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – Following the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leadership tussle, some notable leaders of the party have counseled members of the party to put the issue behind them and reenact the indomitable spirit of the party as a strong and formidable family.

In a statement, former President of the Senate and member of the Board of Trustees (BOT), of the PDP, Senator David Mark, described the Supreme Court verdict on the leadership crisis that have bedeviled the Party as one of “no victor no vanquished”.

Speaking in the same vein, former National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Chief Olisa Metuh said that as the party came out of the challenging experience, it needs former President Goodluck Jonathan to assist it in navigating the waters.

Mark while reacting apex court verdict which affirmed Senator Ahmed Makarfi led national caretaker committee as authentic chairman of the party as against Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’s faction, said that in all, it is the party that won.

He noted that the legal battle would have been avoided if some of the gladiators heeded wise counsel but was pleased to note that the matter has come to an end and the party is back as one family.

According to him; “The disagreement between both side of the divide was a needed elixir for the unity of the party to face the challenges ahead,” adding that he is optimistic that useful lessons have been learnt which will put the party in a better stead for future electoral victories.

“Now we know the authentic leader of our party. It is no longer in doubt that PDP still has the credible and defined road map for the socio-political and economic recovery of our nation,” Mark enthused.

In his own reaction, Metuh said former President Jonathan’s advice, goodwill, experience and democratic credentials are needed now, more than ever before, to help the party navigate through this very important period in its history.

He also said the patience and perseverance of the party’s long-suffering staff must equally be recognized and rewarded accordingly.

Metuh further said; “As a strong member of the party who has also been in leadership position, the verdict of the Supreme Court is for me a ‘no victor, no vanquished’ situation. It is a victory for democracy and for the Nigerian people.

“The fact that this great party stood through this most difficult and challenging times with the preponderance of its members and structures across the country still intact speaks volumes of the strong ideology that binds us together as a family.

“The time therefore has come for us to rekindle the light; to put the past behind us and reach out to our brothers and sisters; those who left before the general elections, those that left during the period of the challenges, and even those who are on the other side of the divide.

“We must open the big umbrella once again to accommodate all Nigerians seeking for true democracy. We need to come together to rebuild our nation and once more collectively enthrone a democratic order that ensures that our nation survives and thrives again as a strong, united and prosperous country where citizens are free and where peace and unity will reign once more.”