Senator Rose Oko and other NASS members petition against Gov Ayade is blameless
By Chief Essien Udim
CALABAR–As a social commentator and committed follower of political developments in the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP). I would have ignored the recent media reports indicating that the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) caucus in the National? Assembly led by Senator Rose Oko had petitioned the national headquarters of the party alleging ‘highhandedness and inconclusive congresses’ on the part of the Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade and calling for the dissolution of party structure in the state. My decision to react to the matter depicts how laughable the action of the petitioners are and is liken an attempt by them to make noise in the market square to arouse some attention.
Ordinarily, I would have ignored the reports because as stakeholder in the political process of the state, I have a deep understanding of the political dynamism and also know His Excellency has not been served with any petition from any quarters; but in this age of fake news and for the sake of clarity, I shall set the records straight in order to douse the apprehension the reports may have caused within the ranks of the Cross River state chapter of the great party and the deliberate misinformation fed the national headquarters.
It is on record that the party congresses were held in an atmosphere of absolute peace and tranquility and at no time did the governor, his associates or aides indulged in any act of imposition, intimidation before, during and after the congresses. It is very important to state unequivocally that the state party structure is a true reflection of the wishes of the majority.
All party members, (including all the stakeholders) had a level playing field in the election of delegates at the state, local government and ward level during the congresses and there was no complaint of imposition, intimidation or rigging from any quarters. Every action was taken in strict compliance with the constitution of the party. It is absolute lie, deliberate misinformation and calculated mischief to now allege that “There was however an aberration in the manner the congresses were done, as it excluded party stakeholders and elders across the state that became tantamount to a selection rather than an election”.
To this end, I therefore, want to state emphatically that His Excellency Governor Ben Ayade did not and will never engage in the business of imposition of candidates; and as a loyal party faithful, cannot and will not be part of any action that may jeopardise the fortunes of the party in 2019 and any other elections.
Conversely, I therefore urge the national working committee led by His Excellency, Senator Ahmed Makarfi to discountenance the petition, the petitioners and their prayers, as the Cross River state chapter of PDP is intact and enjoys the support and cooperation of all loyal and peace loving members of our great party. The party is growing from strength to strength and winning more disciples by the day.
However, it is pertinent to pose this germane question, even though the Governor does not subscribe to imposition of candidates. When did the petitioners’ realize that imposition of candidates is alien to democratic ethos? Why didn’t they protest when they were imposed on the people at the expense of more popular and acceptable candidates? It is curious that the rebel leader of the so-called caucus, Senator Rose Oko did not interpret her endorsement on hospital bed in faraway India against a more popular, active and widely acceptable candidate as imposition but has now found it convenient to embark on a roller coaster mission to call for the cancellation of free, fair and credible congresses.
At this stage, I will leave Senator Rose Oko and her cohorts to their consciences and remind them that His Excellency will not allow himself to be dragged into any fathom project by politicians who have no grassroots support but seek to control the party and state from Abuja.
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