From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has assured Nigerians that the crisis rocking the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will soon be resolved.
According to him the PDP remains the country’s most virile opposition party and will surmount its challenges and return to power again at the centre.
He also declared that there was no way the party would not go under as there was no democracy without opposition.
Senator Diri stated this during the party’s state congress at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa over the weekend.
“On the drama at the national level of our party, we are working to resolve it. This party will not go down. There is no democracy without opposition.
“The PDP is the main opposition party and it will continue to play its role until it captures power again,” he said/
He lauded members of the state PDP chapter for their loyalty and commitment to the growth of the party and the development of the state.
Diri noted that they had contributed in no small measure to the success of the party in the state having built consensus across all the local governments, which resulted in the rancour-free state congress.
He urged the new state executive of the party to continue in the spirit that has made the party successful in the state since 1999, noting that those that did not return were due to zoning and constitutional issues.
Diri appreciated the chairman and members of the state congress committee, the Independent National Electoral Commission observer team, delegates from across the state, and all those who contributed to the success of the congress.
“Our party exudes love and since the beginning of this democratic dispensation in 1999 we have been in charge in this state.
“Our party has delivered so much in Bayelsa State in terms of development and good governance. That would not have been possible without the loyalty and commitment of members of the party, I urge you to continue.
“It is difficult to manage victory. Now that you have returned, do not deviate. Continue on this path so that we will continue to be strong. Your victory calls for more service to our people.”
In his acceptance speech, re-elected chairman of the state PDP, Solomon Agwana, expressed appreciation to leaders and members of the party for the confidence reposed in him and members of the executive
He assured that they will continue to pilot the party’s affairs in line with its constitution and support Governor Diri to deliver on his mandate.
In his remarks, chairman of the electoral committee of the congress, Hon. Olasupo Abiodun, commended party members for playing by the rules and conducting themselves orderly, saying his committee was satisfied with the entire process.