Posted by By Anayo Okoli on
AWKA - PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified its local government mobilization rally just as it has secured a new state secretariat in Awka.....
AWKA - PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified its local government mobilization rally just as it has secured a new state secretariat in Awka. Already the party has had its mobilization rally in 11 of the state's 21 local councils.
Meanwhile, the state's new secretariat was commissioned yesterday by Chief Chris Uba, a major financier of the party, with a promise by leaders of the party that the party was set to take its rightful position in the state. They said that they would make Anambra State a one party state in 2007.
For the past three years, Anambra State PDP has been operating from Chief Uba's personal house which he gave out to the party at the outbreak of the crisis, as a result of a disagreement between Uba and former Chris Ngige which led to the polarization of the party.
At a stage, Ngige was said to have ordered all landlords in Awka not to give out their houses to PDP. Those who collected rent from the party were forced to return the money or have their certificate of occupancy revoked.
In his remarks, shortly after commissioning the new party office, Uba commended the party leaders and supporters for their steadfastness and assured them of a better future in the party. Uba urged them not despair because 'we are taking over the Government House".
Uba who donated a jeep to the state party chairman and three 406 Peugeot cars for the secretary, Deputy chairman and woman leader, respectively, appealed to the members to remain loyal to the party and its leadership.
In his speech at the occasion, the state party chairman, Mr. Uchenna Emodi said that the party 'has finally found its home, a home befitting of our great party in the state".
Emodi lamented what the party went through under former Governor Chris Ngige, whom he alleged wanted to extinct the party in the state.
'Today again we are opening a new secretariat building and I want to place on record that it is totally at the benevolence of no other than that of our great leader and pillar of PDP in the state Chief Chris Uba.
For avoidance of doubt he picked up the bills for the two years rent and furnishings and promised to continue to invest in bringing it to a more functional and operational state.
'As we prepare for the 2007 general election, the office will definitely serve as the hub of all political activities in Awka, PDP being the dominant party in the state. Every member of the party should avail his or herself of the use of this office so that we can work together to achieve our goals of not only sweeping the polls at all levels, but ensuring that Awka Government House comes back to where it rightly belongs, the PDP. This is the only gift and worthy appreciation we will give our leader Chief Chris Uba, he asks for nothing more", Emodi said.
Meanwhile, the party has rounded up its first phase of local government mobilization and rally after touring 11 out of the state's 21 local government areas.
Led by Chief Chris Uba, the party had visited traditional rulers of the areas and solicited for their blessing with a promise that the PDP will turn a new leaf next year.
The areas so far visited are Anambra East, Ayamelum, Anaocha, Awka South and North, Oyi, Orumba South, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North and South, and Idemili South.