BY PATRICK OGBOGU
THE sleepy vicinity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Aniocha South came alive when the party held a recent gathering at Ogwashi-Uku, the local government area headquarters.
The meeting was a grand occasion which attracted the cream of the political class within and outside the local government area.
The PDP in a bold move that underscores its commitment to strengthening its grassroots presence, took significant steps towards enhancing its operations and presence in the local government area.
At the meeting, the party leadership, decided to relocate from its old secretariat to a newly acquired, state-of-the-art facility. This development is expected to provide a more conducive and modern environment for party activities, meetings, and events.
The new secretariat is seen as a symbol of the party’s growth and commitment to serving and uniting members of the party in Aniocha South.
In addition to the relocation, the meeting also yielded several key decisions aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and operations. These include holding regular meetings at all levels, ensuring that all members pay their dues regularly, and streamlining the process for holding meetings at the ward, clan, and LGA levels. Any member of the party who organised a party meeting at the ward or clan levels without prior permission from the constituted authorities is to be penalised. All members, particularly those in appointed or elected positions to start paying their dues.
The leadership also reaffirmed its support for the existing disciplinary committee and reappointed its members to address issues of indiscipline. The committee was tasked with ensuring adherence to the party’s constitution and resolving disputes to strengthen party unity.
The relocation and these key decisions are seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s presence in the region and to enhance its ability to serve members of the party in Aniocha South.
Earlier, party faithfuls started trickling into the venue of the meeting while looking forward for positive discussion. A party stalwart was surprised at the large turn out of the members, a testimony to the fact that the PDP is well on ground and as strong as the Rock of Gibraltar. A member of the organizing committee said, “We never envisaged that such a large number of people will come to this meeting.” The large space was filled to a capacity. The grand occasion will no doubt remain indelible and linger on for a long time in the minds of all those who attended the occasion. Everything went on smoothly and the organisers deserve accolades for their outstanding ability.
Besides, the meeting was organized in a very peaceful atmosphere and an air of decorum characterised by the hazy harmattan wind pervaded the entire environment. Members and leaders of the party from various wards were well represented. The meeting, which aimed to strengthen unity within the party leadership at the LGA level, was attended by prominent party members, including Sir Peter Okwe, the PDP Chairman in Aniocha South; Hon. Pst Jude Chukwunweike, the Council Chairman; Architect Kester Ifeadi, party leader; Prince Mike Okwufulueze, immediate past party chairman; and Hon. Paul Adimgupu, amongst others.
The arrival of the party Chairman in Aniocha South, Sir Peter Okwe, at the meeting, electrified the environment. As soon as officials of the party sighted him coming down from his vehicle to walk into the venue, they rushed towards him and the party chairman exchanged banters and pleasantries with the party faithfuls and the party chairman went to the high table.
Resplendent in his blue colourful t-shirts with a blue jeans trousers and canvas to match, Sir Okwe shook hands with those on the high table.
Minutes later, the chairman of the local government council, Hon Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, resplendent in a long sleeves shirt and a face cap to match, arrived with his entourage, amidst standing ovation. He was led to the high table.
Other top notchers of the party who attended the occasion amidst ovation included Hon Paul Adingupu, Arch Kester Ifeadi, Hon Collins, Hon Chinedu Aduba amongst others.
Before the meeting started proper, prayer was said, after which there was the traditional breaking of the Kokanuts, in which prayers were equally said.
In his speech, Sir Peter Okwe posited that the PDP has come a long way as the only credible party that would take the country to the promised land.
As the chairman was making his brief remarks, a number of stakeholders started trooping into the venue of the meeting. What started as a small gathering of party faithfuls soon turned to a large gathering.
One important feature of politics in Aniocha south and Delta in general is that both the young and the old are deeply involved giving credence to the fact that the people of the state have become more politically conscious and sophisticated.
Explaining further, the chairman gave a brief scorecard of his activities and achievement since assuming office of which he received applause from the members.
According to Sir Peter Okwe, the PDP Chairman in Aniocha South, “Despite few challenges, our party is committed to being a leader in promoting unity, progress, and development in Aniocha South. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our party remains a beacon of hope for our people.”
With this new development, the PDP in Aniocha South is poised to take its activities to the next level, promoting the party’s ideals and values, and working towards the betterment of the local government area.
As the PDP in Aniocha South continues to wax stronger, it is clear that the party is committed to providing effective leadership and representation for the people of the area. With its new secretariat and renewed commitment to party unity and progress, the PDP in Aniocha South is set to achieve great things in the years to come. As Sir Peter Okwe, the party chairman, emphasized, “Despite few challenges, our party is committed to being a leader in promoting unity, progress, and development in Aniocha South.”
