Uduaghan, PDP stakeholders laud panel for peaceful ward congresses in Delta

Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders and governorship aspirants have lauded the Mrs Josephine Anenih-led panel for peaceful ward congresses in Delta.
The governor and party faithful expressed their appreciation on Sunday in Asaba when they met the Anenih-led PDP national panel charged with conducting the party’s ward congresses in the state.
The stakeholders in their various remarks agreed that the panel had demonstrated good leadership quality in the tense atmosphere.
They also noted that the panel, having ensured peaceful exercises, must not tamper with the results collected but present same to the national body.
According to the governor, results are being awaited from the riverside communities for the ward congresses that started on Saturday following an agreement of all stakeholders.
``We thank God for Mrs Anenih-led team for undermining rumours making the rounds.
``Elections in the wards have been on since yesterday (Saturday) and they have been peaceful.
``Let me appeal to the politicians to continue to tolerate each other because life lost or house burnt in violence cannot be replaced,’’ Uduaghan said.
He urged the aspirants not to forget that after the struggle to get to their desired positions they also would need those they left behind if they must succeed.
He added that they must keep a window for friendship during the struggle.
In their various submissions, the governorship, Senatorial, Houses of Representatives and the State Assembly aspirants agreed that the panel had done well to entrench peace in the ward congresses.
Those who spoke were Sen. James Manager, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Rep. Leo Ogor and Rep. Ndudi Elumelu as well as Assemblymen Martins Okonta and Victor Ochei.
Others include Mr Godsday Orubebe, former minister; Prof. Sylvester Monye; and Mr Peter Nwaobushi, former State PDP chairman.
They all agreed that power comes from God and urged the panel to ensure that nobody tempered with the wards list agreed upon by all party stakeholders.
In her remark, Anenih thanked the governor and all the stakeholders for their peaceful disposition which made it possible for her team to conduct peaceful ward elections in the state.
She noted that there was apprehension that the state was going to be razed by desperate politicians but that the situation had turned out positive and peaceful.
``We have had peaceful elections in Delta although we are still waiting for results from the far-to-reach riverside communities.
``As soon as they arrive we shall collate and depart for Abuja with the results,’’ she said.
The panel pledged that the list containing the names of the elected persons from the wards would be presented to the national PDP executives intact.
On how the party achieved peace during the ward elections, the Acting State PDP Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Ighomena, said all stakeholders were engaged in discussions prior to the election date.
He said although the result might not have gone down well with all stakeholders the party had achieved about 98 per cent success carrying almost everyone along.