Former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, former governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom, former Vice Chairman, South West, Eddy Olafeso and former governorship aspirant of Nasarawa State Labaran Maku, were among the 39 persons inducted as party Board of Trustees members on Monday.
Inaugurating the 39 members, the Chairman of BoT, Sen Adolphus Wabara, in a subtle reply to All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said that PDP will not die, adding that the elders in the party are committed to rebuilding and repositioning PDP despite the gale of defection that struck it lately.
This is even as one of the inductees and former Vice Chairman South West, Eddy Olafeso said that the PDP will navigate through its troubles and come out stronger.
Wabara, who said that the caliber of members that are being inducted into the party shows that the party will not die, added that “I am overwhelmed and I’m sure that my colleagues and friends here present are equally overwhelmed to see and witness that we still have this retinue of quality Nigerians in this great party speaks volumes. The board of trustees has always contended that the PDP shall not die. This is manifesting itself now.”
In his word of advice to the inductees, Wabara said, “your role as members of the board is not only to guide and support the leadership of the party, but also to act as a stabilizing force in times of challenges and uncertainties.
“Today’s inauguration is particularly significant as we prepare to navigate the evolving political landscape and work tirelessly to restore the PDP as the foremost party in Nigeria. The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, we shall overcome.”
Olafeso said: “We thank God Almighty that we have gotten this far and that it’s a new beginning for our party, a regeneration of the glorious past and we are doing everything possible to ensure that from this moment on, the PDP can continue to perform its duty as an opposition party across the country.
“New ideas, new people, new orientation. With the quality of leadership and the heritage of the past, we can make Nigeria better than it is today.
“We will begin to bring the glorious past back to our people where you can send your children to school, where insecurity will be a thing of the past and the economy and employment will begin to grow.
“You are living witnesses that all the governors that we had issues with are returning to be members of BOT. It speaks volumes. That’s the sign of the moment. We are going to return to greater heights. You can trust us.”
The National Chairman of the party Amb. Umar Damagum represented by the Acting National Secretary, Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, urged the newly inaugurated members to realize that they have great responsibilities entrusted on them.
“The Board of Trustees is the conscience of the party, and the Constitution entrusts it with the great responsibility of guiding the PDP; not just as Nigeria’s leading party but as a beacon for Africa. We in the NWC are here as your chief servants, ready to rely on your advice and guidance. We assure you of our full support in ensuring the smooth running of the party” he said.
Some other members inducted include; Sen. Mustapha Khabee, Engr. Bello Suleiman, Prof. Ganyir Lombin and others.
The full capacity of BoT is supposed to be 127 members but they have been operating with about 35 members.
It was learnt that about 17 members have decamped from the party while the tenure of about 70 others have expired.
