From Paul Osuyi, Asaba

GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has laid down stringent conditions which must be fulfilled by political appointees to retain their positions in his government after May 29, this year.

The administration will clock two years in office by May 29, and the governor, who apparently has his eyes on re-election in 2019 said his political appointees, must mobilize support from the grassroots through proven records of performance.

Speaking yesterday in Asaba at an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Okowa urged his appointees particularly commissioners not to use their positions to destroy PDP which others laboured to build.

“We need to help our members and we should not use our positions to destroy the party others have built. By May 29 this year when my administration will clock two years, every political appointee must go back to his or her local government area to bring his scorecard in other to retain his appointment,” he said.

The governor also urged members and loyalists of the party to respect and support the party structure.

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“I want to charge all party members to respect leaders of the party at all levels; party members, especially political office holders should support the party at the wards and local government areas.

“You must give recognition to the fact that the position that you occupy somewhere means that you must give back to the party and the people. Always help your constituents to support the party to move forward,” he added

He used the occasion to call for prayers for President Mohammadu Buhari, saying, “I want to wish the President speedy recovery and quick return to Nigeria. We will continue to pray for his quick recovery.”

The chairman of the party in the state, Barrister Kingsley Esiso commended Okowa’s administration for its giant strides in infrastructural development and empowerment programmes, noting that such had made it easier for the state to remain the stronghold of the PDP.

Others who spoke at the meeting include a member of the Board of Trustees, Senator Stella Omu, National Vice Chairman of the party (South-south), Elder Emmanuel Ogidi and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, among others. They all called for a more united party, stating that the PDP remains the largest party in the West African sub-region.