*Says Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into one-party state
By; BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS, Abuja
Frontline group, Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) has described those attempting to make the main opposition, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) collapse as undemocratic, while insisting that the national chairman of the party should be retained by the North Central Zone.
NYLF expressed this at a press briefing in Lafia today, with the text of the briefing, read by its President, Comrade Elliot Afiyo.
“We have observed with great dismay the efforts of these political opportunists in destroying whatever the nation has
benefitted through democratic governments.
“This is why we have been consulting with the stakeholders in PDP starting with the North -Central Zone of the country, to ensure equitable distribution of National Offices to guarantee justice and equity which are the basic democratic ingredients necessary for checks and balances, critical and constructive opposition which is needed to propel the Government to always ensure accountability, secures and guarantees our fundamental Rights.
“We are highly amazed and disgusted that since the removal of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as the National Chairman of the PDP getting to almost a year now, a substantive Chairman has not been appointed or elected because of the activities of some of these moles within the party who are bent on controlling the party for their selfish political interest to pleasing their pay masters,” the statement said.
Although no name was mentioned by the group, it is suspected that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike may be the subject of the controversy, following his alleged backing if the present acting chairman of the PDP.
In view of the above, they demand that the office of the national chairman of the PDP should as a matter of urgency, be ceded or returned to the North -Central
Zone without further delay.
According to the statement titled, “WE MUST UNITE TO SAVE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)” Comrade Afiyo Elliot, described the development in the opposition parties as retrogressive.
“I count it as joy and a privilege to address you today on some national issues especially on the regrettable and retrogressive political scheming in the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).
“We are highly concerned because if these political gangsterism and despotism are not properly checked, curtailed and contained, Nigeria will become a One Party State, the consequences
of which cannot be imagined.
“While the crisis of the Labour Party could be said to be internal and self-inflicted, that of the PDP is a deliberate and bracing efforts by the external forces through
unscrupulous elements in the party who considered their political interest and relevance above the National interest.
“This is a necessity so as to guarantee a balanced and
equitable involvement and participation of all the critical Stakeholders. In the past two weeks or so, we have unfortunately witnessed unprecedented
resignations of critical stakeholders from the PDP,” he said.
According to NYLF, from the intelligence reports
received so far, these stakeholders have successfully contacted and convinced many stakeholders to resign from the PDP.
” If this trend is allowed, the PDP will surely collapse in few months, the consequences of which the Nation may face in the next seven years, may not be compared to what is happening in South Korea
or what happened during the apartheid rule in South Africa.
“To this end, we will reiterate our call on all well-meaning Nigerians especially the NEC Members of the PDP from the North–Central to rise to the challenge and ensure that their political entitlements are given to the mas a right not an obligation.
“The position of the National Chairman must be given to the North –Central Zone without further delay.
“On our part, we will always ensure that all Geopolitical Zones are fairly represented. If the NEC of the PDP fails to effect the changes required or needed within two weeks, then the PDP will face the political consequences in no distant
future.
“This is not a threat but a command that will guarantee the security, safety and sustenance of Democratic rule in Nigeria,” they submitted.
They therefore, called on the press to always stand for the truth.
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