Prince Thomas Abi Jr|13 April 2016|5:43am
As the Cross River State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joins the rest of the PDP states in conducting the Party's ward, chapter and state congresses, the party must look beyond imposition of candidates. The party must vote men and women of pedigree. People with capacity, vision and conviction to move the party from its present state where it is characterised by hate and bitterness. The leadership of the party at all levels, both at the ward, chapter and state level must be driven by the intelligentsia and not charlatans or mediocres.
The PDP must restrategize and bring in smart young men/women who will act as think tanks of the party. Smart youths who are focused and idealistic and have what it takes to move the party forward. Youths who can repackage the party and who are very knowledgeable. From the ward, chapter and state level, the new leaders must be very conscientized and not a few men and women who are fueled by greed and are on a mission to use power to mar and intimidate others in the party.
As the congresses comes up, the governor of Cross River State must allow party men to decide who they feel is right to lead them. There is the need for the governor to allow a transparent process. The way and manner the congress would take place is going to determine if the party is going succeed in 2019. It must be known that imposition destroys a society and creates disunity. And once there is imposition of candidates, there is bound to be enmity, bitterness, and hate in the hearts of party men which is going to eventually result to disloyalty and lack of commitment to the PDP.
It can be recalled that during the 2015 elections, many loyal party men were short-changed. Causing a lot of pandemonium in the party, which is not too healthy if the party(PDP) must progress especially as it is now an opposition party to the government at the center.
All party men should be given equal opportunity to sell their manifesto to party men and women. They should be given a chance to sell their vision, and what they have. Imposing candidates will only destroy the party and cripple the party in the State.
As the Ntufam Achort Okon led state Exco takes a bow, It is expected that he works towards uniting party men/women who are still very angry over the last elections in the state. Let it be known that the earlier he begins his reconciliation process the better. As these same persons can disrupt the congresses. He must leave a legacy of uniting and healing old wounds. He has to apply balm on frayed nerves. The earlier he begins before the congresses which comes in a few weeks the better for the party.
For the PDP to succeed in the State, the next crop of politicians (State Chairman and Secretary) who are to take over must be men of patience, core politicians, who are savvy with the electioneering process, and have what it takes to win elections. The party must understand that it is no longer business as usual, as there is now the APC. And it might not be easy for the PDP to have smooth ride in 2019 and so the next leaders of the PDP must be (Chairman and Secretary) persons who are strong and mentally equipped to lead the people and not leaders who can be pushed around.
As the PDP moves to elect new leaders, It is expected that the party brings a vibrant and sound Public Secretary and not a charlatan. Sentiments should not be applied on who emerges as the mouth piece of the party. The party should bring an intelligentsia on board into the State Exco as the Public Secretary. It should be known that the Publicity Secretary is the mouth piece of the party and anytime to bring a mediocre as the party spoke man is only going put the party in bad light.
My candid opinion and advice is that the leadership of the party and power blocs within the Cross River PDP should not try or make an attempt to go for a consensus candidate or impose or foist candidates on loyal party men and women. An attempt to do that is only going to further cause damage to the party.
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst/Social Commentator
