THE Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party will today (Tuesday), hold a meeting to prepare and deliberate on a memo to be submitted to the party’s National Executive Committee ahead of the setting up of the National Convention Committee.
A member of the party’s National Caucus, who spoke to our Correspondent in confidence, in Abuja, on Monday explained that the NWC was carrying out its functions in line with powers conferred on it by the party’s constitution.
The source said, “As you are aware, last week’s expanded NEC meeting eased a lot of tension.
“One of the agreements reached was for the combatants to cease all forms of media war either in person or through proxies.
“So, far, we are glad at the level of compliance. That said, the PDP is a structured political institution, we follow procedure in all we do.
“The setting up of the convention planning committee does not take away the powers of the NWC that is what most commentators don’t understand.
“When the NWC meets tomorrow, it is expected to prepare a memo which will indicate a schedule of activities which it will take to NEC for ratification before anything can happen. It is that simple. I refer you to Section 35 of our Constitution, specifically on the functions of the National Chairman.
Section 35 (1) of the PDP Constitution 2012 (As amended), reads in part, “There shall be a National Chairman who shall be the Chief Executive of the party and his functions shall be to-
(a) Summon and preside over meetings of the National Executive Committee, the National Caucus and the National Working Committee of the party;
(b) Provide firm and effective leadership and direct the activities of the party under the overall supervision of the National Executive Committee;
(c) Provide and defend the integrity, policies and programmes of the party and make pronouncements for and on behalf of the National Executive Committee outlining the policies, programmes and activities of the party.” Among other functions.
Another party leader who also spoke on condition of anonymity because of the gentlemen’s agreement, said “We must admit, the renewed interest in our party is due to the fact that people see hope. I have received notice for the meeting and will be there tomorrow by God’s grace.”
When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan said, “Yes, we will hold the NWC meeting tomorrow.”
This is coming amidst speculations that party leaders from the South are scheming to retain the National Chairmanship position as a result of the growing possibility of the party retaining its Presidential ticket to the north.
Prominent among those being touted as possible Chairmanship candidates, is Chairman Emeritus of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
He has however denied nursing such an ambition. In a letter dated 16, August, which was titled, “Re: Dokpesi, Bode George, 4 Others Eye PDP National Chairmanship,” Dokpesi said, “I wish to categorically state that I have no interest whatsoever, in the position of National Chairman of the PDP or any other national office in the party.
“While remaining a committed party man, I cannot and will not risk a dent on my integrity, having earlier made my stance clear.”
Copyright PUNCH
