PDP crisis: Again, Baraje, G7 governors tackle Tukur

[Mirror]

...vows to rescue leadership from party chair

The Abubakar Baraje- led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is not relenting in its effort to oust Alhaji Bamanga Tukur from the leadership of the party.

Yesterday, it filed a notice of appeal against last week's ruling by a Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining it from using the logo and colours of the party.

The breakaway faction also vowed that it won't give up until the leadership of the party is rescued from Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as the national chairman.

The notice of appeal was filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Honourable Justice Evoh Chukwu, by a team of lawyers led by Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN.

The new PDP in the notice of appeal sought for an injunction and a stay of execution of the ruling.

Justice Chukwu in his earlier ruling had recognised the Tukur-led National Working Committee, NWC, as the authentic leadership of the party.

The new PDP is being promoted by former Vice- President Atiku Abubakar, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger).

The Baraje-led PDP in a statement made available to National Mirror by its National Publicity Secretary, Chukwuemeka Eze, said the decision to file the appeal was taken at an emergency meeting of its NWC, following the return of the party's National Chairman, Baraje, from the 2013 pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

He said the decision was taken after the NWC carefully studied Justice Chukwu's ruling and after due consultations with their lawyers.

He said: "We once more wish to reiterate that we remain convinced that we have a good case and are thus determined to ensure that Tukur and his cohorts are not allowed to hold sway as the leaders of our great party.

"Our teeming members and supporters should, therefore, entertain no fears whatsoever and should remain steadfast as we seek to legally establish our case and logically conclude our mission to rescue the PDP from antidemocratic forces so as to restore the noble vision of the party's founding fathers."

The group said due to the busy schedules of its governors and most of the stakeholders, its proposed G7/ Stakeholders/NWC meeting slated for this week will now hold next week.

"One of the major issues slated for discussion is how to receive our new members particularly the five additional PDP governors who have indicated interest in joining us," he added.

Meanwhile, Tukur yesterday proffered reason why Second Republic Minister of Transport, Dr. Umaru Dikko was kidnapped by the then military government and was about to be transported to Nigeria from Britain.

He said the military felt Dikko was championing the cause of democracy even outside the shores of the country.

Tukur spoke at the inauguration of the seven-man PDP National Disciplinary Committee held at the party secretariat in Abuja.

Two of the committee members, deputy chairman, Chief Ebenezer Babatope and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu were absent at the inauguration.

Other members on the committee are Shuaibu Oyedokun, Hajiya Nana Aisha Quadir, Hussaini Kazaer and Onwe Onwe as secretary.

The National Chairman explained that no society thrives unless it conform to rules and regulation, saying the PDP will adhere to party discipline as enshrined in its constitution.

Emphasising on the choice of Dikko as the chairman of the committee, Tukur said his choice was informed by his defense for democracy, saying this made the military government to be uncomfortable and felt they should kidnap him by attempting to take him to Nigeria from Britain.

"You are chosen to do this important committee based on your past record and love for democracy," Tukur said.

He also eulogised the committee members, noting that "they are people who will not witch-hunt anybody, but you can be sure not to come to them when you cross the line."

In his response, Dikko assured the party that the committee will do whatever is necessary to move the party forward and make it work.

Source: PDP crisis: Again, Baraje, G7 governors tackle Tukur