The leadership Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is not happy that one of its own and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has quit the party.
Obasanjo, who was president twice in the party’s platform and had helped to install the current President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday announced he was quitting the party and, indeed, active politics to remain a statesman in the country. He also tore his membership card of the party to signify his seriousness.
He had over the months heavily criticised the Jonathan government after they fell out of their relationship.
in its reaction, the PDP said it received the news of the decision of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to withdraw his membership of party and had carefully examined the circumstances and the reasons adduced for what it described as “this unfortunate decision.”
“While we concede to the inalienable rights of every citizen to hold opinion and to decide who to associate with, we are however deeply saddened that Chief Obasanjo, a revered leader of our party, our first Presidential flagbearer whom the PDP offered the platform to rule our nation for eight years, could decide to abandon this party at this critical point in time.
“This is especially as Chief Obasanjo, who was also the Chairman of the highest advisory organ of the PDP, the Board of Trustees (BoT) discountenanced all pleas by elders and leaders of our great party with regard to his reservations on certain issues within our fold.
“Many Nigerians are still bewildered as to disregard what manner of provocation that could have led a former President to loose his composure and go to the extent of tearing the membership card of the party that he once led,” a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, stated.
The party said it was at a loss as to how the decision and action of the former President who had enjoyed the benefits of being elected to the highest position of leadership would assist in deepening the country’s democracy and stabilizing the polity.
“It is our considered opinion that no matter the provocation, a statesmanly disposition from a person of Chief Obasanjo’s status could have encouraged our citizens, progress and stability in the system.
“We believe however, that what this country needs now is patriotic actions that engender national unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence of our people irrespective of political, ethnic and religious persuasions. The overall interest of our nation and well being of our citizens must remain paramount and above all personal and group interests.
“Finally, we direct all our members across the country to remain focused on our campaigns and not to be distracted on this issue. With an array of credible candidates led by our presidential flagbearer, President Goodluck Jonathan, we are sure that we will emerge victorious come March 28 and April 11, 2015 general elections,” the party said.
Like Us on Facebook!
0 comments:
Post a Comment