Rivers: PDP Warns Political Hangers On, Confusionists, Spin Doctors

By Uke N. Uke

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has issued a stern warning to troublemakers, ‘crisisprenuers’ and spin doctors in its fold to lie low and give peace building efforts a chance to succeed.

Acting Chairman of the PDP, Hon Chukwuemeka Aaron who issued the warning Monday said it has become quite necessary to caution those trying to create an atmosphere of confusion in the party.

Addressing elected council chairmen as well as State Executive Committee members and local government party chairmen, Aaron appealed for the understanding of party leaders, saying utmost care must be taken in order not to escalate the festering political crisis.

The Acting Chairman asked functionaries of the party to remain absolutely neutral while serious steps are being taken to find lasting amd amicable solutions to the disturbing disagreement between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the State Governor.

Aaron said it was disheartening to note that party members were already taking sides and injecting what he described as ethnic and tribal sentiments, noting that as far as the party is concerned, it is a family matter which can be easily resolved.

Turning attention to Local Government Council Chairmen, Local Government party Chairmen and the Party Exco, Aaron urged them to find ways of ushering in peace instead of Balkanizing the party.

He warned that severe repercussions would await those who want to stir crisis within the PDP.

“For those of you that want to do eye service to balkanize the party, I will not allow it. This party will not scatter during my own time”.

“Our supporters who I think come from the various LGAs are not helping matters”, the Acting Party Chair observed.

 

“The kind of thing I see in the Social Media is something else. Some of these are Social media people” that “you employ and are paying”, Aaron stressed.

“I cannot condone that under my leadership because they want to balkanize this party and I will not allow this to happen, so please warn them to stop”.

Hon. Aaron further cautioned against the formation of support groups, saying those doing so at this time want to distract the Governor and prevent him from pursuing the implementation of his development plans for the State.

The Chairman advised Local Government Council Chairmen to warn those who are part of their media teams, especially those on Social Media, to stop posting all sorts of damaging materials against the Minister and the State Governor, stressing that their action was rather escalating the situation.

Aaron explained that another reason why the meeting was called was to formally inform them that he has taken over the affairs of the party due to the resignation of the State Chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor.

He appealed for the total support of elders and party leaders in his bid to move the PDP forward.

“I supported Ambassador Desmond Akawor. I supported the Exco. Now that I am here, I also need your support to enable this party forge ahead.”

The South South Zonal Treasurer of PDP, Mrs Evelyn Nweke expressed sadness that members of the party from the state can no longer walk with their shoulders held high due to what is happening.

She enjoined party stalwarts to preach peace and unity while the State Secretary of the Party, Dr Benibo George called for cohesion and absolute obedience to party supremacy.

“The moment we are cohesive, we are together, nobody can bring us down. PDP will remain indivisible”, George remarked.

While calling for vigilance from all party members, George told LGA Party Chairmen to obtain clearance from the State party leadership before embarking on any party activity.

The Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Allwell ihunda who spoke on behalf of the Chairmen thanked Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his peaceful disposition.

He congratulated Hon Aaron on his appointment as the Acting Chairman of the PDP, and pledged the loyalty of the Council chairmen to the new helmsman as well as members of the State Executive Committee.