Uduaghan urges PDP’S ward chairmen to strengthen party’s unity

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State on Sunday urged the Peoples Democratic Party’s ward chairmen in the state to be proactive in their areas to strengthen unity in the party.
Uduaghan spoke in Warri at a thanksgiving in his house to mark the PDP’s victory in Saturday’s bye-election in Delta Central Senatorial District, won by Hon. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who covered the event, reported that it was attended by the leaders of the party and supporters.
Uduaghan said that the party was able to reclaim the district from the Democratic Peoples Party because of its intensive reconciliation drive in the past year.
The governor noted that the PDP’s efforts at reconciliation during the period were tested in the bye-election.
He said: “At a point, PDP members were fighting themselves, which led to the defection of some of our members.
“Now, we have reclaimed our territory back.”
He urged the people to remain united.
Uduaghan noted that the party had built viable ward structures since 1999, investing adequate resources to encourage supporters to remain in their wards.
He added: “We must continue to strengthen our ward structure.
“We must not relax because local and state government elections are coming.
“We must give power to the ward chairmen, let the power revolve around the ward chairmen so that collectively we will have a stronger party.”
The governor congratulated Aguariavwodo on his victory and urged him to represent the people well.
In his remarks, Aguariavwodo thanked the people for believing in him and pledged to serve them with humility.
He promised to operate an open-door policy, adding that he would ensure that the people enjoyed the benefits of democracy.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, commended Uduaghan for building a stronger PDP platform in the Urhobo community.
Also speaking, the PDP Chairman in Delta State, Peter Nwaboshi, urged all ward chairmen in the state to hold meetings at least twice monthly, in their areas.
He said that this would foster understanding among the people at the ward level.