BY CHUWANG DUNGS, Jalingo
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Taraba State, on Friday urged supporters of the party to tread with caution and not to overheat the system over Governor Agbu Kefas recent appointments.
The party appealed against the backdrop of criticisms over the recycling of old breeds of politicians by Mr Kefas to serve as aides and board members.
DAYLIGHTREPORTERS in its recent report, highlighted how a party chieftain in the state, Hassan Kona, expressed disappointment over the appointments noting that. “Taraba at this time needed committed, highly resourceful youths, not recycling of old and ‘bemused’ politicians, most of whom did nothing tangible in the state when they had the opportunity.”
In an interaction with journalists in Jalingo, the spokesperson of the party in the state, Andetarang Irammae, called for calm and assured the party loyalists that the party and the administration of Kefas were sensitive to their concerns.
The party allayed the fears in some quarters about those that work for the success of the party being abandoned and not getting the recognition that they deserved for contributing to the electoral successes of the governor in the 2023 elections.
He said in as much as Kona is entitled to his opinion over the governor’s appointment as a loyal party man, there is no point heating the polity as power comes from God.
Mr Irammae, said like any other loyal party man that expected to be rewarded after working hard in ensuring the success of the party, Kona expected his name to be on the list and the party feels there is nothing wrong with that.
“Perhaps he anticipated that his name will be on the list and when he realised that his name was not on the list to him that was the best way to express his disenchantment.
“But he should know the party in the state has a membership of almost a million people and you don’t expect everyone to be appointed to political positions at the same time. It has to be this one today and tomorrow another person, I will just appeal that people like him should remain calm and be supportive of the government.
“His excellency has the prerogative right to appoint whosoever he wishes. All the appointees are members of our party and are persons with great pedigree in politics and governance, and they are expected to bring their wealth of experience for the good governance and development of the state
He said there is interface between the party leadership and officials of government to address the genuine concerns of party faithfuls and called for patience by members.
While congratulating the new appointees, Irammae, charged them to be loyal, fair and just in the discharge of their duties.
The party also commended the governor for his proactive commitment towards securing the state as seen in the drastic reduction in the rates of banditry attacks.
“The party notes particularly the gradual return of IDPs to their farm stade in parts of Takum, Ussa and Yantu special development area and the decisive action that the governor took to arrest the leader of the criminal gang that killed close to six people in Maihula, Bali local government area.” He said
Irammae also disclosed the party’s readiness for the forthcoming Congress to usher in new leaders at wards, local government areas and state levels.
“We are ready to organise a free and fair Congresses at all levels that everyone would be happy with,” Mr Irammae said.
He said the Congress which was earlier scheduled to commence last week, was readjusted for two weeks due to the Ramadan, so that those that travel for pilgrimage to Mecca will not be denied the privilege to participate.
The party then urged the people of the state to continue praying for the success of Mr Kefas administration.
