GAIDAM PROMISES SMOOTH ANPP CONVENTION

A statement from his Director of Press Affairs, Abdullahi Bego, yesterday said the governor was desirous of ensuring that the convention takes place at the stipulated time devoid of rancour and apprehension.

'Governor Gaidam is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the lesser Hajj (Umrah) and would be back in time for the ANPP national convention,' the statement said.

'While away in Saudi, the governor is abreast of recent developments in the party, particularly as they affect the setting up of two successive Transition Management Committees in response to the expiration of the tenure of the Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke-led executive of the party. Governor Gaidam believes that healthy disagreements can never be separated from party politics and can even be harnessed to deepen internal democracy,' the statement added.

The statement said Gaidam sees the recent happenings within the ANPP as no threat to the party or the planned national convention.

'Upon his return from Saudi Arabia, the governor will hold meetings with various stakeholders of the ANPP to try to bridge the differences that emerged and steer the party back to cohesion.

In particular, he will intervene to address the suspension of Senator Mohammed A. Mohammed and others on one end of the transition leadership disagreement. Governor Gaidam and members of his national convention committee will do everything within their powers to ensure that the ANPP goes to its national convention on September 17 as a united house and a strong national opposition party,' the statement said.