The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) has
approved May 21, 2016 for its National Convention to be held in Port
Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. The party will elect its new leaders
at the convention.
In a communique signed by the PDP national chairman, Senator Ali Modu
Sheriff and national secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo, at the end of the
its 69th National Executive Committee (NEC)ý meeting held in Abuja on
Monday, it also approved the setting up of four special committees in
preparation for the National Convention.
The committees are the National Convention Committee, Reconciliation
Committee, Zoning Committee and Finance Committee.
The meeting approved the extension of the tenure of office of all organs
of the party at all levels until the conduct of Congresses and National
Convention, with the exception of Edo and Ondo states.
“NEC approved the time-table for the party’s Congresses and National
Convention. Congresses commence on Saturday, April 23, 2016 and culminate
in the National Convention on Saturday, May 21, 2016,” the communiqué
said.
The communiqué of the meeting issued by Senator Sheriff and party
secretary, Prof Adewale Olapido read in part:
1. NEC approved the time-table for the party’s Congresses and National
Convention. Congresses commence on Saturday, April 23, 2016 and culminate
in the National Convention on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
2. NEC approved the party’s Guidelines for Congresses and the National
Convention. National Convention holds in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
3. NEC after exhaustive deliberations approved the extension of the tenure
of office of all organs of the party at all levels until the conduct of
Congresses and National Convention. This is however with the exception of
Edo and Ondo States.
4. NEC approved the setting up of four special committees in preparation
for the National Convention. They are National Convention Committee,
Reconciliation Committee, Zoning Committee and Finance Committee.
B. Erosion of Fundamental Human Rights and Harassment of Opposition In
Nigeria.
1. NEC considered the erosion of fundamental human rights and
constitutionally guaranteed personal liberty of Nigeria, especially key
leaders of the PDP by the APC-led Federal Government and resolved as
follows:
1. Condemned the incessant harassment, maltreatment and unlawful
incarceration of PDP leaders at various levels by Government controlled
law enforcement and prosecution agencies.
2. Condemned the Friday, March 4, 2016 invasion and raiding of Ekiti State
House of Assembly and subsequent arrest and continued detention of four
PDP members of the House by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) on
trumped-up charges.
3. Demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the four PDP
members of the Ekiti House of Assembly by the DSS.
4. Resolved to stand in solidarity with all Nigerians whose fundamental
rights as citizens are being infringed upon by the Federal Government.
5. Called on the international community and all civil rights
organizations world-wide to take note of the denial of fundamental human
rights, abuse of liberties and freedom of individuals; and the rapid
descent of Nigeria into totalitarianism.
6. NEC also condoled with the families of its 18 members who were brutally
murdered in Ogoni land in Rivers state as well as with the Federal
Government and the Government of Kogi State over the unfortunate death of
the late Minister of state for Labour, Barr. James Ocholi, and resolved to
send a high-powered delegation to condole with his family.
7. NEC in session also congratulated all its members who won in their
rerun elections, including former Senate President, Senator David Mark.