Stop misleading public, causing division, Anyanwu warns Ologunagba
As preparations intensify for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Elective Convention on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, governors in the party have reiterated their commitment to internal democracy, transparency and unity within the party.
However, the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, warned the Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, against making statements that could mislead the public and exacerbate division within the party.
At a meeting of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) Protocol Sub-Committee, yesterday, in Abuja, Chairman of NCOC, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, alongside Chairman of the Protocol Sub-Committee, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, assured stakeholders of a credible and hitch-free convention.
Fintiri, who underscored the importance of the convention to the party’s future, declared that no effort would be spared in ensuring a successful outing in Ibadan, where 19 new members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) are expected to emerge.
“We are fully committed and will not leave any stone unturned,” Fintiri stated. “We are putting in our best and making sacrifices to have a successful convention. For me, apart from Islam, the PDP is the next association that has given me everything I have achieved in life. So, I will forever remain grateful to this party.”
Following months of internal wrangling, the PDP, at its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 24, resolved to restructure and reposition the party through the convention.
But concerns persist within the party, particularly from the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The group has raised objections to the leadership of the Umar Damagum-led NWC, particularly over issues related to the South-South zonal structure, leadership imbalances in Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Plateau states, as well as dissatisfaction with the convention’s micro-zoning arrangements.
The group has since warned that failure to address these grievances could jeopardise the convention’s success.
Fintiri dismissed such fears, assuring party faithful of a transparent process. He stressed that the screening of aspirants would be thorough and devoid of manipulation.
Mutfwang echoed similar sentiments, stating that the robust level of engagement by stakeholders ahead of the Ibadan convention demonstrates that PDP remains vibrant and resolute.
In the wrangling, Ologunagba reportedly said Anyanwu’s role as National Secretary “is limited to administrative duties”, such as managing day-to-day activities, handling correspondences and ensuring directives are carried out.
The spokesman’s comments were in reaction to a perceived misunderstanding of roles within the party. He stressed that the National Secretary could not summon meetings or issue press statements without authorisation.
But Anyanwu’s media aide, Ikenna Onuoha, described Ologunagba’s claims as “ridiculous and ignorant” while emphasising the National Secretary’s critical role in the party’s operations.
Onuoha said Ologunagba’s comments indicate a lack of understanding of the party’s constitution regarding the duties and functions of the National Secretary.
“This statement, if indeed it came from a supposed party spokesperson, is an indication that he lacks the requisite knowledge of the provisions of the party constitution regarding the duties, functions and programmes of the office of the National Secretary.
“Ologunagba, who ordinarily should be speaking for the party, failed to highlight the duties of the National Secretary of PDP in Section 36 (1) of the PDP Constitution 2017 as amended, simply because he was out for mischief,” he said.
Onuoha argued that Anyanwu’s role is far more significant than what Ologunagba suggested, adding that his actions are guided by the party’s constitution, urging Ologunagba to focus on constructive strategies to strengthen the party rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.
