George Okoh in Makurdi
The leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State yesterday handed over the leadership of the party in the state to Governor Samuel Ortom.
The state Chairman of the party, Mr. John Ngbede, announced the decision of the leaders at an expanded caucus meeting held at the new Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi, the state capital.
Ngbede stated that with the development, the party had been fused into one indivisible entity without factions.
He announced the constitution of an integration committee which he said will ensure the unification of all members both old and new with him as the Chairman and David Tsevende as Secretary.
Other members of the committee, which cuts across the the senatorial districts of the state, according to him, are Professor Jacob Omenka; Mr. Solomon Agidani; Mr. Oklo Eneje; Jerry Iorhide, Hon. Mzenda Iho; Mr. Solomon Kachina; Godwin Donko and Timothy Iorchor.
Speaking on the development, the former Senate President, Senator David Mark, stated that the leaders have also mandated the governor to restructure the party in order to accommodate all interest, particularly those who defected recently.
He stated that they have resolved to work together so as to win the forthcoming elections at all levels.
On his part, the former Governor of the state, Dr. Gabriel Suswam announced that certain party positions, including the party secretary have been allocated to the governor so as to accommodate his interest.
Suswam also stated that the governor purchased forms for all the ad hoc ward delegates, adding that major stakeholders would participate in the selection process.
In his speech, Ortom expressed appreciation to the leaders and the state executive committee for reposing confidence in him, adding that to whom much is given, much is also expected.
He solicited support and assured that a level playing ground would be provided for all aspirants
