PDP Slams Tinubu Over Comments On Governors Forum
SAN FRANCISCO, April 05, (THEWILL) – The National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, has been told to concentrate on salvaging his fast crumbling political empire instead of constantly commenting on issues of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reacting to the criticism of the formation of the PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF) by Tinubu, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement, Friday, questioned the motive of the ACN leader in the disparaging comments he made against the emergence of the PDPGF.
Metuh described Tinubu’s comments as “contrary to the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association."
PDP said "Since the inception of the current democratic dispensation, governors have had several groups where they meet to aggregate their common interests. We have Governors of the ACN always meeting.
"We also have groups like the Northern Governors Forum, South East Governors Foum, South South Governors Forum and so on. What is the idea behind Tinubu's attack on the PDPGF? It goes to show the absence of democratic tenets in him for him to attempt to prevent Nigerian citizens from associating with one another."
The party also questioned the democratic credentials of Tinubu, saying his dictatorial tendencies and disposition to nepotism are responsible for the intractable crisis within ACN.
"Senator Tinubu is the least qualified to question any meeting of like minds where decisions are taken based on sound debates and objective reasoning. He is used to ruling a small association on impulse where his word is law. He cannot therefore offer any useful advice on how a mega democratic association like the PDP should be organized," the party said.
PDP further lambasted the ACN leader as someone who is perpetually embroiled in a crisis of relevance. According to the ruling party, "Bola Tinubu is always desperate to be in the public glare. This is the reason why he constantly pays his way to attend functions. Nigerians know the true worth of Tinubu and are not deceived by his warped arguments. His ACN is in dire need of redemption and he should concern himself with that rather than thread on unfamiliar grounds."
PDP said the constant attacks on its Governors' Forum is an indication that the opposition has been having sleepless nights over the formation of the Forum and the emergence of Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, as its chairman.
It noted that the opposition leaders are afraid of the impact the forum will make under Akpabio, especially given his track record in achieving his mandates and as such are hell bent on discrediting him and causing disunity among the members.
The party however assured that its Governors' Forum has come to stay, saying no amount of attacks by the opposition will deter the governors from working together for the good of the nation.
The party urged PDP Governors to disregard the opposition and rally round their chairman to initiate programmes that will consolidate the PDP's bond with the Nigerian people rather than be distracted by people who, according to it, are fast losing relevance in Nigerian politics.
"Let them continue blowing hot air while we concentrate on delivering quality service to the Nigerian people. Nigerians are no fools. They know where the protections of their future lie. The PDP remains committed to the building of the Nigeria of our dreams. The PDP Governors Forum is a significant organ in the realisation of this dream and must be encouraged by all people of goodwill," the party said