From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi
Frontline contender for the National Chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Conrad Utaan, has paid a consultative and solidarity visit to the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party in Benue State.
The SWC under the leadership of Benue PDP State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, received Engr. Utaan and his entourage at the party’s new State Secretariat on No. 16/18 Abdullahi Shelleng Road, High Level, Makurdi, where the visitor donated computers, printers, television sets, Digital Satellite Television systems among other items, to enable the Secretariat run smoothly.
Speaking during the visit, Utaan said he went to familiarize himself with the new headquarters of the party in the state, and also to formally intimate them of his desire to serve the party as National Chairman.
He emphasized that his ambition is premised on unwavering loyalty and belief in the party’s culture of equity, fairness and justice to all members.
He pointed to provisions in the party’s Constitution which require that the vacancy created in the office of National Chairman by the ouster of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu last year be filled by someone from the same place where he (Dr. Ayu) hails from, which he stressed is the Benue North-West (Zone ‘B”) Senatorial District.
Utaan added that as the only contender to the position from Zone ‘B’, the Benue State Executive Committee (SEC) of the party will be doing the right thing to adopt him as the sole nominee from the state to complete the tenure of the National Chairman which he said belongs to the North-Central as a region, Benue as a state and Benue North-West as a zone.
He said “By the zoning arrangement in the party, and in the wisdom of its leaders, the position of National Chairman in 2022 was given to the North-Central and Benue North-West in particular, and it is only fair and equitable that someone from the zone fills the existing vacancy and serves out the tenure, as to do otherwise would be to shortchange the party’s members in the zone.”
He further stated that his ambition represents a unique opportunity for the PDP to present to Nigeria youthful leadership which will be driven by innovation and attract to the party followership from the largest voting demography of persons between the ages of 18 and 50 years who form about 72% of the country’s electorate.
Engr. Utaan, who assured that his ambition is not a personal one but to safeguard the interest of the North-Central, said he would abide by the decision taken by the national leadership of the party in line with its Constitution, pledging to remain loyal and always put the party first in all his decisions if he becomes its National Chairman or even if he does not.
Responding, the State PDP Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, commended Engr. Utaan for his courage and clarity of thought, and assured him of the support of the SWC. He urged him to continue on his consultation and keep in regular touch with party leaders and stakeholders in and outside the state.
In their separate remarks, State Secretary, Dan Nyikwagh, State Treasurer, Tivkaa Zuana, State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, State Auditor, Vera Akua, State Financial Secretary, Emmanuel Adokwu and State Vice Chairman for Benue South (Zone ‘C’), Augustine Ikeke, all extolled the qualities of the PDP National Chairmanship aspirant, whom they described as intelligent, courageous and fit to be entrusted with the party’s top job
The State Deputy Chairman, Rt. Hon. Azua Ashongo, appreciated the goodwill and support continuously being extended to the party and the new State Exco, in particular, by Engr. Utaan, all through the congresses to date.
In s statement signed by Chief Bemgba Iortyom, Spokesperson of
Engr. Utaan National Chairmanship Campaign 2024, which was made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday, Ashongo also thanked Utaan for the materials donated to the Secretariat and prayed God to continue to protect and guide him and grant success to his ambition to emerge as National Chairman of the PDP.
