December 31, 2012

PRESS STATEMENT

The Peoples Democratic Party says that for the nation to win the battle against various ills that retard her growth there must be a complete change of attitude among Nigerians, stressing that leaders and the led must seek the face of God.

In a goodwill message to mark the new  year, the PDP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh lamented dwindling patriotism among Nigerians, stating that the major pre-occupation of the Party in 2013 will be to engender positive attitudinal change among the people. It therefore urged the leaders of the Party at all levels to brace up for the challenge.

" Our vote for attitudinal change in 2013 is informed by the simple fact the commonest denominator of the systemic challenges facing our national growth is the dwindling fervor of patriotism on which our founding fathers laid the foundation of our dear nation. The adverse implications of this have been manifest in various ills that retard our movement to greatness."

"As the party entrusted with the mandate of the people, the onus is on us to  show the light so that the way will be made perfectly clear to them. All our members elected and appointed into positions of authority at all levels now have a double responsibility of meeting up with the performance target we have already set as well as lead the way, with exemplary conduct,  in this  course of value change."

December 30, 2012

Press Release

Our attention has been drawn to a crass statement by ACN and we make bold to reply as follows: First, the statement is classless as it is only a tissue of insults based on condemnations and lamentation.

 That ACN and opposition parties in Nigeria often resort to insults and doomsday predictions is not surprising, as they have exhibited no capacity to govern by their failure to suggest alternatives and/or solutions, as is the hallmark of credible opposition parties all over the world. To recycle insults and engage in doomsday predictions is a sign of a confused and demented opposition totally attuned to preferring anarchy as a system of government.   

Nigerians have acknowledged the heroics of our patriotic security operatives in tackling the terror attacks never envisaged a little over two years ago. It is shear wickedness and downright unpatriotic not to appreciate and commend men who are battling at the risk of their own lives to protect our families and our great country. The least ACN\opposition should is to console the families of our fallen heroes and families of other victims instead of playing cheap and dirty politics with human lives. 

Finally, we recommend to ACN to continue to patronize generators imported by their leaders who are desperate to sabotage the ongoing power reform. To the rest of Nigerians we ask you to keep faith with our honest and humble president in his selfless agenda to transform our power sector and other vital sectors of our economy. 

Chief Olisa Metuh

National Publicity Secretary

DECEMBER 30, 2013

 PRESS RELEASE

The Peoples Democratic Party has commended the untiring efforts of the  Federal Road Safety Corps in ensuring safety on Nigerian roads and asked other agencies of government to emulate the discipline and commitment of the officers and men of the Corps.

A release in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said the Party was proud the agency has maintained an inspiring record in driving the vision of the PDP led Federal Government in road safety administration.

" In developing our large vision for safe road transport, the nation has witnessed valuable innovations especially in the last five years where the Federal Road Safety Corps has shown unwavering commitment to duties. "

The statement further said the agency has been exemplary in developing infrastructures  and devices that enhance safety for road users.

" Beyond the brilliant ideas and innovations which the  agency has  introduced to bring our road safety measures at par with global practices, we wish to equally commend the stoic resolve of its officers and men who have been working round the clock to reduce the traffic gridlock  and nightmare  that were once the feature of road travels especially during festivities."

The Party also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps  to organize compulsory training courses for all drivers on the convoys of government and non governmental institutions as well as functionaries as part of its educational programmes on proper road use and discipline on the high ways.

 DECEMBER 26, 2012

 PRESS STATEMENT

The Peoples Democratic Party has described the reaction of the Congress for Progressive Change to President Goodluck Jonathan's Christmas message as another clear evidence that the CPC is not ready to step down its philosophy of violence and vile communication module.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said the intentions of the CPC which is to stir public distrust and trigger a flood of mutiny against the PDP led federal government will continue to suffer still birth as Nigerians are capable of sifting the truth from tissue of lies.

The PDP however insisted that President Jonathan was correct when he declared in his Christmas message that he has the political will and determination to deliver on the party's promise of positive changes in the living conditions of the people in the shortest possible time, insisting that the gains of the Party's transformation program will bear more fruits in the coming years. 

" President Jonathan has invested heavily in critical infrastructures such as power, road and rail transport, security, agriculture, education among others. While the maturity span of some of these infrastructures is long term and are expected to yield benefits in  coming years, there is abundant evidence that steady gains are already  crystalizing  in sectors such as power, education and rail transport."

" The CPC will definitely be blind to this steady progress because constructive engagement is not the ultimate motivation of its criticism," the statement added.

December 24, 2012

 Peace and Joy unto our Dear Nation!

As Nigeria joins Christians round the world to celebrate this year's Christmas, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has called for love and peaceful co-existence, while urging Christians to pray for the progress of the nation. It also enjoined its members in various positions of authority to emulate the humble life of Christ.

The statement is contained in the Party's goodwill message released in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh. 

" It is our fervent prayer that Christians, in deed, all Nigerians  learn from the abundant and perfect examples of Christ in love, kindness and peaceful co-existence. It is our wish that beyond the jingle bells and festivities, that moments of sober reflection be spared to illuminate and re-kindle national fervour against corruption, religious intolerance, ethnic suspicion and other ills that have kept the nation down for decades.

"According to the statement, " the Peoples Democratic Party is irrevocably committed to this cause as we make steady progress in actualising our vision for a country where things work better than they do at present. The lessons of Christmas, of Christ, though the Messiah but was born humble and humbly served and saved mankind will guide and further fire our zeal to place the people first. We shall commit more effort  in ensuring that all our members,

DECEMBER 20, 2012

 PRESS RELEASE

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained the speedy passage of the 2013 federal budget by National Assembly as a loud commentary on the maturity of the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives  and a clear indication that democracy is not only gaining firm footing but safe in the hands of the PDP. 

" The National Assembly which our great Party leads has demonstrated that it has come of age in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. It has also shown that the people of Nigeria is its primary constituency and that their interest is supreme. The seriousness and the high degree of scrutiny which guided the consideration of the 2013 budget proposal, serves directly, the long stringent quest for transparent and workable national budget. We commend them for this."

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said that good governance is directly dependent on the twin factors of patriotism and capacity for delivery, saying that the PDP led National Assembly has demonstrated both.  

" The Senate under Senator David Mark and the House of Representatives under Hon. Aminu Tambuwal have shown that they are patriotic and are capable in their legislative and oversight functions. The efficient re-alignment  of 2013 budgetary provisions to reflect the needs of the people is a surer way to drive national growth within the fiscal time frame."

DECEMBER 15, 2012

 PRESS STATEMENT

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed utter shock and devastating grief at the news of the death of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and other prominent Nigerians, including the former National Security Adviser, General Owoye Azazi in a helicopter crash today.

"Our great Party is shocked beyond imagination and no words can adequately give expression to the depth of our grief. What a colossal loss! "

" The nation has lost a great patriot who in about two years in saddle as the Governor of Kaduna State demonstrated an unyielding capacity in wielding together varying fragile interests. He rendered quality stewardship to his people.  Even in the face of daunting security challenges, nothing came close to compromising his iron cast resolve and faith that the phase must certainly pass. It is unfortunate that the nation has lost him at this critical curve in our national history."

" On behalf of the National Executive Committee and other members of the PDP, the National Chairman of our great Party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur wishes to condole with the government and the people of Kaduna State  as well as the family of late Governor Yakowa on this very painful loss. Your tear is our broken heart!"

"We wish to also send our heart felt condolence to the family of General Azazi as well as to the families of other Nigerians involved in the

COMMUNIQUE AT THE END OF A 3-DAY CAPACITY BUILDING RETREAT FOR ZONAL/STATE PUBLICITY AND ORGANIZING SECRETARIES, STAFF OF PUBLICITY AND ORGANIZATION DIRECTORATES AND PDP PRESS CORPS MEMBERS HELD AT THE BANQUET HALL, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE. 12-15 DECEMBER, 2012

In continuation of efforts to reform and reposition the PDP as a tool for political engineering and development of Nigeria, the National Working Committee organised a Capacity Building Retreat for PDP Zonal/State Organizing and Publicity Secretaries, staff of Organization/Publicity Directorates and PDP Press Corps members at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. 

After the three-day event which was attended by about 130 participants, the following resolutions were adopted:

1.       The participants commend the National Working Committee for organizing the Retreat as it would contribute to the actualisation of the 3 Rs agenda of the Bamanga Tukur         led NWC.

2.       The Retreat observes that Nigeria is at a critical development curve. To move to the next level, the PDP must continuously improve on the workings of its processes and practices. 

3.       The Retreat urges members to show more interest in the management of the media. The Party must engage in wide publicity and propagation

10 December, 2012

PRESS RELEASE

The Peoples Democratic Party has said the attempt by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to slur the integrity of the anti-corruption efforts of the Federal Government is a symptom of a one-track minded political party unable to appreciate the  pre-1999 deprecate societal fabrics that the PDP met.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said the Party is optimistic that its  battle on corruption would be won with the bold institutional framework the PDP led Federal Government has put in place and with the collective efforts of all Nigerians.

" No government in the history of Nigeria has attempted the bold initiatives that our party has taken to fight corruption. The PDP led Federal Government created the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC)  as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission(ICPC). No matter the criticisms trailing their performance, these bodies have posted degrees of successes. Most importantly, these institutions are meant to outgrow partisan practices and given time, become inviolable winnower on the chaff of corruption."

December 7, 2012

Press Release 

PDP Commences Enlightenment Programme 

In a move aimed at boosting the capacity of critical stakeholders in the build up to the 2015 General Elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat is organizing a retreat for all Zonal/State Publicity and Organizing Secretaries in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. 

The retreat which is holding between the 12^th – 15^th December 2012 will have Resource Persons from within and outside the party delivering papers. 

Among the resource persons are former National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, founding National Publicity Secretary, Senator Aniete Okon and Chairman of the Editorial Board of Thisday Newspapers, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi. Also on the resource team are; Member, Board of Trustees, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Dr. Akilu Indabawa, Political Adviser to the Vice President, Mallam Abba Dabo and Mr. Colet Odenigbo, a Media Consultant. 

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh says members of the resident Press Corps attached to the PDP National Secretariat are participants in the retreat in order to give them an insight into the inner workings of the PDP. 

Participants are to arrive on Wednesday, 12^th December 2012 for accreditation at the State PDP Secretariat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Chief Olisa Metuh

National Publicity Secretary

December 6, 2012

Press Release 

PDP Congratulates Kaduna, Benue Chapters over LGA Polls 

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Kaduna and Benue Chapters of the Party on the successes of the Local Government Area Council Polls held recently in two States. 

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Chief Olisa Metuh hailed the smooth conduct of the polls whose outcome has once more reestablished the fact that the PDP is the Party of choice and the only vehicle to deliver development at the grassroots level. 

Chief Metuh commended the PDP’s dedication to democratic principles in accepting the results in some areas where the Party lost in Kaduna State saying “we are poised to end the bad loser syndrome in Nigerian politics. In the areas we lost, we are prepared to go back to the drawing board and work hard to reclaim them”. According to the PDP spokesman, “The fact that we are ready to concede to winners in other parties should be a lesson in political tolerance to other opposition parties who see electoral contests as battles to be won at all costs”. 

The PDP is particularly delighted with its victory in Benue State which the opposition ACN had falsely laid claim to being their territory.

December 6, 2012

Press Statement 

Defence Minister Brief’s NWC 

In continuation of the Party’s drive to create a synergy between it and its officials in the various arms of government, the National Working Committee on Wednesday received briefings from the Hon. Minister of State for Defence Erelu Olusola Obada. 

The Hon. Minister gave details operations of her ministry and submitted that the Armed Forces are on top of the security challenges facing the nation. She explained that Defence personnel are working in close concert with other security agencies to tackle threats posed by the Boko Haram sect and oil thieves in the Niger Delta region. 

She ascribed the success recorded in the fight against terrorism to the combat alertness of our Armed Forces and the political will of President Goodluck Jonathan in his commitment to providing all the necessary support to restoring normally in the polity. 

The Minister also highlighted the role of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in Mali, Guinea Bissau and other troubled areas in the African continent saying “our intervention has restored hope to citizens of those countries”. 

Other ministers are expected to give their report cards to the NWC in the coming weeks.

Chief Olisa Metuh

National Publicity Secretary 

November 30, 2012

 Press Release

 PDP Condoles Buhari 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condoled former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his daughter, Hajiya Zulaihatu Junaidu Abdullahi Who died at a kaduna hospital on the 29th of November 2012.

A statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party Chief Olisa Metuh says "the PDP has recieved the news of the death of Zulaihatu Junaidu Abdullahi, daughter of General Muhammadu Buhari with deep sadness. The grief over this sad event is felt by all Nigerians including the leadership and members of the PDP nationwide.

 On behalf of the PDP, the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur commiserates with the Buhari and Junaidu Abdullahi  families  as well as the people of Katsina State over this unfortunate event.We pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest and may He grant the family and all her loved ones the fortitude to bear this loss. Amin.

Chief Olisa Metuh

National Publicity Secretary