June 21, (THEWILL) – As part of efforts to foster peace and enhance greater bond among members, the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State has inaugurated an 11-man reconciliation committee to address differences that may have arisen in the process of the just concluded party nominations.
The committee is chaired by Senator Effiong Bob, with other members including Hon. Imo Ibokette, Ambassador Assam Assam, Sen. Aloysius Etok, Barr. Uwem Ekanem, Sen. Emmanuel Ibokessien, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ekaette Ebong Okon, Sir Michael Essang, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan, Prof. Imaobong Akpan and Mr Okon Okon.
Speaking shortly before inaugurating the Committee, the state party chairman, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, who acknowledged the existence of divergent concerns and grievances among some members of the party, expressed the interest of the party to address issues of disagreements, adding that the umbrella of the party is big enough to cover every interest.
“After the primaries, our party candidates emerged, while others did not win the party’s tickets. These may have caused them and their supporters to feel bad and perhaps discouraged.
“We value our members and we love to continue as one big family. This is why we thought it necessary to set up this committee, and we are sure that the committee will achieve the goals and objectives which the Party is out to achieve”, Aniekan Akpan said.
“As a party, we have a responsibility to reach out to everyone who holds a differing opinion from the outcome of the event, encourage them and help them restore their bearings as respected party men and women in the big umbrella family.
“We also need to reinvigorate their faith, hope and confidence in the PDP as the only party that holds a better future for them and the sustainable peace, development and prosperity of Akwa Ibom State”, he noted.
In his acceptance speech, the chairman of the Committee, Sen. Effiong Bob, appreciated the PDP in Akwa Ibom State for the opportunity to serve, assuring the Party of the committee’s readiness to do its best in ensuring due reconciliation of divergent interests and foster unity in the party.
In his words, “I thank the Party for the opportunity to serve. We are always willing to work, so that we can deepen the taproot of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State. As it is said, “people disagree to agree.” Attempts will be made to reconcile all aggrieved members and we will do this to the best of our ability.
“We are going to reach out to all our members who hold any difference with the direction and decision of delegates and the party in the just-concluded nomination. We will take time to listen to their positions and complaints and take steps to address the issues they have raised. We, therefore, solicit the cooperation of all segments of our members. No one will be left behind.”
According to a statement by the state publicity secretary of the party, Mr Borono Bassey, terms of reference given the committee include; to “identify all aggrieved members and segments of the party; identify causes and sources of grievances; identify ways and means to reconcile real and perceived grievances of members in the party”, among others.
It says the committee is expected to submit an interim report within four weeks from the date of the inauguration.
About the Author
