The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) on Thursday held its 62nd meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and fixed 31 August 2013 as the date for the Special National Convention .
It also postponed the South West Zonal Congress earlier scheduled for Saturday 24th of August, citing a court injunction.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary sad this was ” In line with our avowed disposition to uphold the rule of Law and in deference to the Court ruling, NEC uninimously approved the postponement of the South West Zonal Congress. Consequently, NEC directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to follow through the court process and when concluded set a new date for the South West Zonal Congress”.
Earlier in his welcome address, National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur urged members to abide by party rules and regulations. He said: “We are the ruling political Party. We must lead by example and act as a beacon of light to other political parties and the people of Nigeria. Our Party places great premium on the rule of law and due process that is why we resolved collectively that our officers be properly elected in line with the dictates of the law and the Constitution of our great Party.
“The PDP as a Party has continued to grow from strength to strength in spite of challenges. Our political adversaries have been shamed as our Party is now more united than ever. The strength and success of our Party lie in its ability to resolve its differences amicably in an atmosphere devoid of bitterness, rancor, acrimony and recrimination. This fact is undisputable and legendary.
“Besides, there are internal organs and mechanisms for conflict resolution in our Party. I encourage our members to explore these avenues in ventilating their grievances and to as much as possible avoid litigations which make a mockery of our stand on peace and stability.
“My doors and indeed those of all our Party leaders are wide open to all members of our great Party. I run an open door policy that furthers the principles of triple ‘R’ i.e Reconciliation, Reformation and Rebuilding. We need peace and friendly concord in our Party. We cannot reach our destination in an atmosphere of bitterness and rivalry.
” I therefore call on all our party faithful and members across the country to sheath their swords and enthrone enduring peace. I want to commend the National Reconciliation Committee for the good work it is doing and encourage our members to take their grievances to the committee or other organs of the party entrusted with the task of restoring peace in the party.
“Let me pay special tribute to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the able and mature way he has steered the ship of our Nation. The Transformation Agenda has been hugely successful because of the principled determination of the President to bring to the door steps of Nigerians abundant democratic dividends in line with our party’s manifesto and constitution.
“We must give the President our unalloyed support as he continues to implement the manifesto of the PDP to the benefit of all Nigerians – Our Railways are working again, Power Supply is improving and our Airports are wearing new looks, etc. More grease to your elbows – Mr. President!
“Our Governors deserve our commendation, support and encouragement as our field commanders in their respective States. They have exhibited uncommon resolve to translate democracy to development in their various states. We will still do more.”