The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has inaugurated an 11-man reconciliation committee to address differences that may have arisen from the just concluded party primaries.
The committee, which is chaired by former National Assembly member, Senator Effiong Bob, has other members as Hon. Imo Ibokette, Ambassador Assam Assam, Sen. Aloysius Etok, Barr. Uwem Ekanem, Sen. Emmanuel Ibokessien, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ekaette Ebong Okon, Sir Michael Essang, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan, Prof. Imaobong Akpan and Mr Okon Okon.
Speaking shortly before inaugurating the Committee on Tuesday, the state chairman of the party, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan, who acknowledged the existence of divergent concerns and grievances among some members of the party, expressed the interest of the party to address issues of disagreements adding that the umbrella of the party is big enough to cover everyone.
“After the primaries, our party candidates emerged while others did not win the party’s tickets. This may have caused them and their supporters to feel bad and perhaps discouraged.”
“We value our members and we love to continue as one big family always this is why we thought it necessary to set up this Committee and we are sure that the committee will achieve the goals and objectives which the Party is out to achieve.” says the chairman.
Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan continued “As a party, we have a responsibility to reach out to everyone who holds a differing opinion from the outcome of the event, encourage them and help them restore their bearings as respected party men and women in the big umbrella family.”
“We also need to reinvigorate their faith, hope and confidence in the PDP as the only party that holds a better future for them and the sustainable peace, development and prosperity of Akwa Ibom State”, he said.
Responding, the chairman of the Akwa Ibom State PDP Reconciliation Committee, Sen. Effiong Bob, appreciated the PDP in Akwa Ibom State for the opportunity to serve, assuring the Party of the committee’s readiness to do its best in ensuring due reconciliation of divergent interests and foster unity in the party.
“We are going to reach out all our members who hold any difference with the direction and decision of delegates and the party in the just-concluded nomination. We will take time to listen their positions and complaints and take steps to address the issues they have raised. We therefore solicit the cooperation of all segments of our members. No one will be left behind.”
Terms of reference given the committee include to “identify all aggrieved members and segments of the party; identify causes and sources of grievances; identify ways and means to reconcile real and perceived grievances of members in the party”, among others.
The committee is expected to submit an interim report within four weeks from the date of its inauguration.
