Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The outgoing National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has said that he is no longer going to vie for a national office position at the next convention of the party.
The embattled spokesman of the PDP who is currently standing trial after he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on account of his role in the spending of funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser, said his decision to stay out has the backing of family members.
In a statement he issued yesterday, Metuh said his commitment to the party remained unshaken, especially as the party strives to reposition its affairs.
“As one of the longest serving members of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) and currently a critical player in the party, my supporters and admirers expect me to contest and this has spurred speculations in the media.
“However, I wish to state publicly that I have no ambitions to continue as a member of the National Working Committee after the expiration of my current tenure as the National Publicity Secretary, a decision that is enjoying the support of my family.
“I therefore with every sense of responsibility confirm to all members of our great party that I will not run for any position whatsoever in the forthcoming National Convention irrespective of which office may be zoned to the south-east for that matter.
“What is paramount in my mind at this point is to continue to lift the image of our great party during the remaining part of my tenure as the image-maker of the PDP, a position, which by the grace of God, I have been able to dutifully deliver to the best of my ability despite daunting challenges.
“Finally, I wish to assure all my associates and supporters that my love and commitment to the party remains unshaken, especially as we work together to build not only a strong and virile party but also a prosperous, united and stable nation,” he said.
