Posted by By OLA AGBAJE on
The Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) Monday warned that it will not hesitate to pull out of the government of national unity (GNU) being formed by President Umar Yar'Adua if it suspects any deceit or insincerity on the part of the government.
The Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) Monday warned that it will not hesitate to pull out of the government of national unity (GNU) being formed by President Umar Yar'Adua if it suspects any deceit or insincerity on the part of the government.
The party's Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Mathew Uwaekwe disclosed this in Lagos, while clearing the air on the party's decision to join the GNU.
According to Uwaekwe, "It has become imperative for PPA to explain its decision to partner President Umaru Yar'Adua in the formation of government of national unity.
"We are not motivated by consideration for appointment but rather we are encouraged by the understanding that copious issues raised and canvassed as manifesto by our party during electioneering campaign would be seriously addressed by the government.
"Issues such as provision of electricity, electoral reforms, constitution reform, economy and industrial sector; the Niger-Delta crisis which is threatening the very foundation of our economy, are paramount to us as a party.
"It is our view that these salient issues would better be pursued from inside and partner in governance. And we have impressed it during meetings leading to the pact to join the GNU," he said.
Consequently, the PPA chieftain explained that the party would not hesitate to dump the pact if it discovers that the objective for joining the government was not followed or it observes lack of sincerity on the part of government.
He argued that before the party decided to join the GNU, it held a wide consultation with its numerous supporters across the country.
"Ours is a democratic party and we held wide consultaion among all our supporters across the country before we took the decision.
"The National Executive Council (NEC) the highest decision making body of the party will this week Thursday take a final decision on the issues pertaining to our joining GNU," he stated.
Uwaekwe noted that the party was highly encouraged by Yar'Adua's antecedents of transparency in governance and respect for the rule of law as demonstrated in his obedience to the judgement of the Supreme Court in the case of the tenureship of Governor Peter Obi of Anambra Stat and public declaration of his assets.
He made a distinction between Obasanjo's concept of GNU in which only individuals that caught his fancy were invited and that of Yar'Adua who openly invited political parties to join him in moving the nation forward.