PDP Crisis | Sheriff inaugurates Benue State Exco

The leadership crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at the national level have started manifesting in Benue State where a parallel State Executive Committee of the party was yesterday inau­gurated.

Factional national chairman of the party Sen Ali Modu Sheriff was represented at the occasion which was held at the Makurdi residence of former military governor of Katsina State Senator Joseph Akaagerg­er, by the chairman of PDP El­ders Forum in the state Chief Abu King Shuluwa.

King Shuluwa told party faithful that the inauguration of the new state Exco followed the conduct of primaries by the faction beginning from the ward and local government levels saying the Congresses it conducted were in line with the laid-down procedure of elect­ing party officials as enshrined in the party’s constitution.

The elder statesman who took a swipe at the emergence of the Hon John Ngbede led Exco of the party in the state for not following due process as it regarded zoning of offices said it was most unfortunate the situation whereby people were handpicked and foisted on party members as their leaders without recourse to zoning.

According to Shuluwa, “What happened the other time cannot be said to be Congresses. People were just handpicked without looking at the zoning formula. For in­stance, the position of State Secretary which ought not to have remained in Zone A was still foisted on the people just as that of Deputy Chairman which ordinarily ought to have moved to another Zone. You dont have third terms in Party Executives and that is why we concerned and genuine mem­bers of the party have taken up the challenge by ensuring the enthronement of a genuine party leadership as exempli­fied by what you just witnessed today.”

He charged the newly inau­gurated State Exco Members to go back to the grassroots with a message of fair play in the par­ty with the offer of constructive and objective criticism on is­sues of governance.

Also speaking at the event, The Deputy National Woman Leader of the Party Mrs. Han­natu Ullam, assured the new Exco of support from National Working Committee of the party and charged them to re­dedicate themselves towards reconciling aggrieved mem­bers as well as repositioning the party for victory in subse­quent elections.

Those inaugurated were; Hon Dan Ale, State Chair­man, Andrew Pila,. Deputy Chairman, Orlalu Sambe, Vice Chairman, Paul Obaike, Vice Chairman, Orshio Kumeh State Secretary , Marce Banka, Ass State Sec and Yusuf Mudi as State Treasurer.

Others were; Owicho Mike Sunday, State Ass Treasurer, Augustine Ogbu Fin Sec, Pius Nyager PRO 1, Francis Onuh, PRO 2, Joshua Mbakuuv Au­ditor, Akaa liam, State Youth Leader, Susan Emaikwu, State Woman Leader, Bar Edward Ikyoive, Ass Org Sec, Inaleg­wu Jacobs, Ass Org Sec, Ogbaji Aduma Ass Org Sec, Bem Ny­itor Ass Org Sec, while Doug­las Okpenge and Ode Onum are Ex Officios 1 and 2 respec­tively.

In his inaugural speech, the new state chairman of the party, Hon. Dan Ale, thanked members for the opportunity given them and promised the reconciliation of aggrieved members as well as working for the growth of the party.