The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial district, Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd), has congratulated the newly elected executive officers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), that will pilot the affairs of the party in Abia.
In an interview with the media at the just concluded State Congress of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), held in Umuahia,Abia State, the lawmaker harped on the need for the new leaders to put the reconciliation of the party first, urging them to adopt an inclusive approach, emphasizing that their victory is a collective win for the entire party.
He said it was imperative to conduct the State Congress, as it reflects the ideas of the party, enjoining the winners to take responsibility in rebranding and repositioning the party.
The Abia State PDP 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Sir Okey Ahiwe, in a message, equally congratulated the newly elected party chairman and other members of the State Working Committee(SWC).
Sir Ahiwe enjoined the new State Chairman to make inclusivity the policy thrust of his administration and engage with stakeholders at all levels to evolve new paradigms of internal democracy, reconciliation, unity, renewed faith, and confidence in the Party to promote the interests of all Abians.
While appreciating the delegates to the State Congress for ensuring a peaceful process, Ahiwe called on all PDP faithful to come together and support the new State Working Committee to help them drive the task of repositioning the Party.
In his words, “Now is the time for everyone to join hands in rebuilding our great Party. We must migrate from a futile psychology of defeat and renew our collective faith in the prospects of a greater tomorrow for all Abians, which we can only achieve with persistent pursuit of liberty and social justice.”
He prayed that God would guide and protect the newly elected Party officials as they settle down to confront the challenges ahead.
Also, the former Commissioner for Information in the State, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, disclosed that the future of the Party was birthed with the election of new leaders that would help reunite the party.
According to him, the new leaders have only one clear mandate,which is to win back those who left the party.
He said their primary responsibility is to reunite and strengthen the party by reaching out to former members and re-engaging them in the party’s activities, adding that the mandate is crucial for the party’s revival and growth, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and rebuilding relationships with those who exited.
In a thank you statement, the newly elected PDP chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, appreciated the delegates and party stakeholders for overwhelmingly electing him as the Chairman of the Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party. The gesture he said, is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the faith and trust they have placed on him.
As we embark on this journey together, I promise to uphold the values and ideals of our founding fathers, ensuring that we engage in robust and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders. It is through unity and collaboration that we will strengthen our party and advance the cause of the PDP in Abia State.
“I would also like to take a moment to salute all our stakeholders, whose commitment has been invaluable in our efforts to rebuild and strengthen our party. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. To my fellow aspirants who contested alongside me, I salute your courage and commitment to rebranding Abia PDP. Your sacrifices and efforts in rebuilding our party shall not be in vain, and I commend the spirit of sportsmanship that you all showcased.
“I invite you all to join me in the daunting yet rewarding task of returning the Abia PDP to power in our great state. The challenges ahead may seem herculean, but I firmly believe that, together, we can surmount them. Our collective efforts will undoubtedly reinvigorate our party and set us on the path to success”.
He, however, extend his heartfelt appreciation to the PDP National Working Committee for conducting an exceptionally peaceful and transparent State Congress in Abia and commended the INEC officials for diligently monitoring the process, ensuring its integrity.
Moreso, the new party chairman expressed gratitude to the Abia State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services for deploying capable officers who ensured our safety throughout this process.
He equally expressed his profound gratitude to God for granting him the rare opportunity to serve the People’s Democratic Party,while thanking his former government teacher, Sunny Kalu Orie Awa Ph.D, who painstakingly served as his agent throughout the process,as well as his family members for their support.
The list of the newly elected SWC members are, Chairman,Abraham Amah, Vice chairman North,Okereke Elendu Gabriel,Vice Chairman Central,Patrick Onwuka,Vice Chairman South,Enyinnaya Appolos, Secretary, Nwaokonko Peter Ifeanyichukwu and others.