Secondus Is The True Hero Of The New Rebrand PDP “Atiku’s Emergence”
Loading ...Atiku’s emergence on Sunday as the presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] can be said to have brought a new and rebranded PDP. It struck a nerve.
The primary election struck a nerve in the country, indeed. It was impressive. The nation and political observers across the globe who had watched the ruling party, All Progressive Congress [APC] grapple with its primaries across the 36 states of the country, were struck. They was struck with the civil manner the PDP primary proceeded. It was as if it was a new PDP.
The assembled egos were tamed and contained. The process was clear, transparent and very credible. No rancor. It offered a breath of fresh air against the killings that were recorded at the numerous APC primaries.
Yesterday was a good day for PDP and Nigeria. And chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus must be applauded.
Initially, there was talk of trouble and fear of what may result after the convention – and whether the primary election would indeed be free and fair. But the fears failed to materialize. The administrative ingenuity of the Uche Secondus led PDP provide the anti-dote. Secondus made look simple without noise.
He was able to score a major victory for the party and for Nigerians who may have lost hope in the Nigerian dream. Today, many believe a new Nigeria may still be possible. A Nigeria devoid of sectarian killings and undue marginalization, economic drought, unemployment, bad government policies, nepotism, masked corruption, and just shear incompetence.
The timing of Secondus’ arrival as Chairman cannot be overstated.
Secondus’ coming was subtle and without drama. He is not a loud player in the PDP field of political play neither was he a major household name known to most Nigerians, but he had served the party at executive positions in Rivers State prior to becoming a major member of the National Executive. His choice of becoming the national chairman came easy owing to his clean record as regards corruption and financial graft.
Throughout his career, he has rejected financial offers from politicians repeatedly. When the Buhari administration’s selective searchlight beamed its rays towards the PDP party structure, the administration could not find trace of impropriety to arrest or investigate him further. He was clean, very clean, according to an agent of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC]. Folks close to him explains that Secondus believes money can only stop or corrupt him if he turns his attention to money.
He has repeatedly turned down offers from the then President Jonathan – of sums in excess of billions of Naira.
Many do not know that the Ekiti state election victory that brought Ayo Fayose to the seat of Governor was planned and executed by Uche Secondus. He drafted the action plan and presented it to then President. And the plan was approved. The sum of N2billion was pegged to carry out the task. The money was approved to be released to Uche Secondus. But he refused to receive the money. The money was then released to another politician from the south west who then absconded with most of the money.
Many more examples are abound.
In his preparation for the daunting task of harnessing the towering egos of new defectors and a tall list of presidential aspirants, he threw his faith to God. A friend explained that Uche went to a Church and laid flat on the grounds of the Alter – calling on God to help stair the PDP towards the desired direction. He was said to be in tears.
God answered his prayers.
Today, PDP stands to be the party of hope and restoration of the Nigeria project. The emergence of Atiku and the process by which he emerged provides the answer Nigerians need at the moment. The quick embrace by the losing aspirants confirmed it.
Nigerians watched in admiration.
Uche Secondus deserves a thank you from PDP. He deserves commendation and applause for him and his team. He exhibited maturity often not witnessed in Nigerian political sphere. His administrative skills showcased itself. Hearty applause.
