Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees (BoT) on Wednesday paid a visit to Kaduna State with a mission to unite all interests within the party.
Speaking at a meeting with key stakeholders of the party at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Chairman of the BoT, Chief Tony Anenih, said the delegation was in the state to make peace and mend cracked walls in the party ahead of next year’s crucial polls.
He said “we have visited many states for the zonal rallies singing in one song of unity, understanding and performance. By the grace of God we are happy that this is the first time the party is having a sole candidate for the presidential race. This is because of the understanding of you and your colleagues in other states.
“We have come to Kaduna to make peace among ourselves to be able to accommodate even those that are sitting on the fence, so that at the end of the day, our load will be very light. Even when you are chewing your tongue, the teeth and tongue remain together”.
The PDP BoT chairman also enjoined members of the party to unite in support of the state Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who he described as a ‘performing Governor’ adding that “I want to appeal to you that he needs to succeed, he is a young man and the sky is his limit, but he needs a solid foundation built on unity hard work and loyalty.
“I am very pleased with what I saw on arrival this morning and also from the conduct of the meeting. I am satisfied that all is well in Kaduna State as I return to Abuja”.
Chief Anenih reminded members of the ruling party of the significance of Kaduna State to Nigeria saying “during the Centenary celebration, a President from an African country said when Nigeria sneezes, the rest of Africa catches cold, when Kaduna sneezes; Nigeria catches cold, that is the importance of your state to Nigeria and beyond”.
He, therefore, urged leaders of the party to remain united to maintain the important status of Kaduna in Nigeria’s political landscape adding that “we can only maintain that status if Kaduna is united and there should be spirit of give and take and that of forgiveness”.
Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Governor Yero expressed satisfaction with its outcome saying: “this visit is very important to unite the party and to end the complaints within the party and it will surely help the success of the party.
“We are known for respect for party leadership as has been shown by all leaders and this is an indication that we shall remain united in facing the next general elections”.
Also speaking, former Governor of the state now turned Senator, Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, said: “We are one family and will continue to be one family and whatever problem we have we are able to solve them as family and to work together to return PDP to power at all levels.
“We all have to be our brothers’ keeper and unity is important and we shall all continue to remain united. We discussed important internal party issues and we are not fighting each other. The meeting is for us to forge greater unity and to ensure the victory of our party in 2015”.
The meeting was attended by top members of the PDP in Kaduna State including former Governor Makarfi, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, Speaker of the State Assembly, Shehu Usman Tahir, Senator Caleb Zagi, Alhaji Lawal Samaila Abdullahi Yakawada, Engineer Bala Sani, Mr. Abokie Galadima, Rep. Yakubu Barde, DG NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, former GMD NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu, Mrs Charity Shekari, former PDP State Chairman, Yau Usman Sa’in Jama’a and all other key stakeholders of the party at State and Local Government levels.
Anenih was accompanied to the state by Senator Walid Jibrin, Chief Jim Nwobodo, former Niger State Governor Abdulkadir Kure, Erelu Olusola Obada, Senator Joy Emodi, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, Chief Mike Ajaegbo and General Abdullahi Bagudu Mamman.