From Taiwo Amodu, Abuja
Basking in the euphoria of a respite from those kicking against his emergence as national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff has promised the credible congresses and a national convention that will stand the test of time.
The former Borno State governor gave the assurance yesterday when he hosted a forum of former PDP members of the House of Representatives. Former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, led the delegation.
Senator Sheriff, who maintained his assurance not to spend a day longer than the three months tenure granted him by the statutory organs of the party, further disclosed that he would roll out his programmes for state congresses that would lead to a national convention after due consultations with the recognised organs of the party.
He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, the events of the last one month in our great party have been very interesting and revealing, particularly as it has awakened the consciousness of the generality of members of the PDP, Nigerians and the international community after our last general election.
“My joy today is that PDP is active once again as a result of my emergence as the chairman of our great party to the glory of God.
“I, Ali Modu Sheriff, a man of character and integrity, one who would live up to expectation and his promises, hereby announce to the world that under no circumstances would I stay in office beyond the period prescribed by the Constitution of our party, the PDP.
“In the light of the above, therefore, I will announce the Convention Congress Planning Committee after due consultation with all organs of the party within few days from today and I assure all faithful members of the party that I would do everything within my powers to ensure that I complete the processes of congress before the expiration of my time in office.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you will all agree with me that at no time did I solicit to be the chairman of the party but, destiny has brought that upon me and l am not shying away from that responsibility.”
In his remarks, Ihedioha said the forum was on a solidarity visit to the party national secretariat to encourage the party National Working Committee to remain strong, as he noted that the erstwhile ruling party was passing through its trying period.