November 07, (THEWILL) – The recent happenings within our dear party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is such that can be described as both shocking and alarming. Never in its history have we seen such a rise of malice and the agitation of partisans regarding who bears the rule at virtually all levels of the party. The instances of aggrieved internal opponents going to court over the party’s choice of flag bearer at the state level in Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, etc; the worrisome exchange of disparaging remarks and open trading of insults between party members, the growing feud and threat between major stakeholders of the party, following the results of the presidential primary, only give us away as a house divided against itself.
This was contained in a statement signed by Dr Konbowei Benson, Senatorial candidate, Bayelsa Central Senatorial District and made available to journalists in Yenagoa.
According to him, “We cannot deny that what started as a storm in a teacup, is gradually becoming a mighty cyclone, capable of sweeping us off our feet. We will only be doing ourselves much harm by not stopping this storm from ravaging all the effort that has been put into bringing this party thus far. This is, therefore, a two-cent advice or better still, a passionate appeal of a concerned party member to the National leaders of the party, Board of Trustees and all stakeholders of the PDP, to put a temporary pause on its pursuit of the 2023 Agenda and find a means of resolving the present crisis, or at least stop it from escalating further. It is often said that a man, whose roof is burning, does not go chasing a rat in a neighbour’s house. Hence the need to set out priorities right by first putting our house in order.”
He further averred that the PDP has come a long way through the years and has seen itself weathering strong external opposition. As such, it still remains the strongest opposition to the ruling party of today. However, by letting the present rift across the state and national levels continue to deepen, we have only succeeded in strengthening our weaknesses against external opposition and it would only take a matter of a few months before the cracks in our walls stare us in the face, if nothing is done immediately.
“It would be highly unfortunate and considered a great dishonour to our past and present party heroes who put in their best to build and sustain this party, if we sacrifice the legacy they have handed down to us on the altar of personal ego and self-interest. Moreover, the PDP has been a party highly esteemed in the heart of the people and one that has come to gain the loyalty of a large percentage of the electorate, but the same cannot be said of it at the present due to its current issues. The reason is not far-fetched because there is a general belief that one who cannot rule his household well, would not be able to rule the masses as well.”
He said to assuage any doubts regarding the effect this has on the party, followers and the general public, an investigative survey or referendum can be carried out.
He said, “We cannot afford to go to the general elections with things being as they are. Once again, this is a clarion call to all the party stakeholders, loyalists and concerned members to put aside all grievances and offences being held on to, to put the interest of the party first and find a common ground for a peaceful resolution of all existing problems.”
He posited that “the PDP Umbrella is very big enough to accommodate every issue and as it is said, Delay is Dangerous, so let’s quickly forgive ourselves, stop playing God, ask God and Nigerians for forgiveness and call a truce now so we can move together with the bite, aura and charm needed to win the next General Election, so we don’t create panic or confusion to the electorate who had believed in us over the years.
