From Attah Ede Makurdi
Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under the auspices of Concerned Benue PDP Stakeholders, Thursday, endorsed senator Gabriel Suswam, former governor of Benue State, to become the next national chairman of the party.
The stakeholders comprises of former national and state assembly members, former appointees of government who are still members of the party, chairmen of the party from the 23 LGAs and elders as well as women and youths from across the state.
Speaking during the endorsement rally held at Halliday hotels Makurdi, the Benue State capital, convener of the group, former speaker pro- temple house of representatives, Mr.
Tergun Tsegba, said the stakeholders decided to endorsed senator Gabriel Suswam because he is “a party man who has distinguished himself as an intellectual of high repute”.
He added that the former governor is the “best man” for the job of chairman of the PDP because he understands the constitution of the party and will instill confidence and discipline amongst members at all levels.
“We want to stand solidly behind the aspiration of senator Suswam. We believe Suswam will restore discipline because he understands the working of the party constitution.
“Before now, there is disciplines but it has been erupted. Under Suswam the party would not be controlled by outsiders. People who worked openly against the party in the last elections and nothing happens, but under Suswam such thing will not happen”, Tsegba said.
Earlier, the zonal secretary of the party, Mr. Maurice Tsav said, the North Central zone leadership of the party has indicated interest in the candidature of former governor Gabriel Suswam.
He disclosed that the governor of plateau State, Caleb Mfugwa has already endorsed senator Suswam, adding that at the appropriate time Suswam would be presented to entire zones of the country for him to be elected as national chairman.
Speaking on behalf of the party chairmen in the 23 LGAs, PDP chairman for Ukum LGA, Mr. Abraham Utov, said they have unanimously endorsed Senator Suswam as the national chairman of the great party, PDP.
He said Suswam is a party man who has distinguished himself as an intellectual of high repute.
Mr. Utov stated that who would be national chairman of the party now should be someone who understands the local and grassroots politics, adding that Suswam is such a person who knows how to play the game at local level.
“Suswam understands the ideology of the party and we have endorsed him as our national chairman of our great party, Utov stated.
On her part, former governorship aspirant of the party in the State and leader of the Elite women of PDP, Susan Waya said Benue PDP women are so concerned about the national leadership of the party and have come together to endorse Suswam
She maintained that Suswam has been with the women in time of mourning, celebration and politicking and has the credentials to lead the party at this particular time.
Speaking on behalf of serving state assembly members under the party, Mr. Mike Audu, maintained that Suswam is a well known party man, that if he becomes national chairman, a lot of things would change in Nigeria.
“We don’t want to elect chairman that would be in the office and do anti party. Suswam had been tested before, he has what it takes to be chairman. When he was a senator he did a lot of things. Therefore, l believe that he is the best man for the job at this moment.
