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Tag: Metuh

  • PDP to Tambuwal: Declare seats of 37 Reps vacant

    PDP to Tambuwal: Declare seats of 37 Reps vacant

    The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal to declare vacant the seats of 37 Reps that defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The 37 members elected on the platform of the PDP had, on Wednesday, defected to the APC with many others waiting in the wings to follow suit.

    A statement issued on Thursday by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the members ought to lose their seats for renouncing the membership of the party.

    The statement said: “Since the affected members have renounced their membership of the PDP, we call on the presiding officer in the House of Representatives to declare the 37 seats vacant without any further delay.

    “This action shall be in adherence to our grand norm, which is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”

    Metuh dismissed claims by the defectors to the effect that they had obtained a court injunction restraining the relevant authorities from declaring their seat vacant, saying they must have misinterpreted the court’s injunction.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to claims by 37 defecting members of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the PDP to the APC that they obtained an injunction restraining the leadership of the National Assembly and the party from declaring their seats vacant in line with provisions of the Constitution.

    “We have, after a careful review, discovered that this claim is false. For the avoidance of doubt, the order of the court clearly says that status quo be maintained, which means the affected members shall remain members of the PDP.

    “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in section 68 (i) (g) clearly spells out the consequences of cross carpeting when there is no division in any party. We wish to re-emphasise here that the courts have pronounced, and INEC has concurred that there are no factions in the PDP.

    “Nigerians are eagerly awaiting this call to duty as this will go a long way in demonstrating our commitment to the rule of law.”

     

     

  • Nwoye’s camp slams Metuh for comments

    Nwoye’s camp slams Metuh for comments

    The November 16 Anambra governorship election fiasco has taken a new twist, with the Tony Nwoye Campaign Organisation (TNCO) taking issues with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its comments on the election.

    In a statement yesterday, the TNCO described statements by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, as arrant nonsense and an act of betrayal.

    The statement was signed by Ikeagwuonwu Chinedu, Mazi Okwu Okwu, Ikechukwu Onyia and Mazi Orjika Chidi.

    Metuh on Monday hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for what he described as a peaceful conduct of the poll.

    He described the election as free and fair.

    But Nwoye’s camp has raised questions over Metuh’s sense of judgment and his loyalty to the cause of the party’s governorship candidate.

    The camp accused Metuh of working for the interest of Governor Peter Obi and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) against the interest of the PDP candidate.

  • Metuh: Poll was peaceful

    Metuh: Poll was peaceful

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday expressed satisfaction with the Anambra State governorship poll, saying that it was peaceful. The party also President Goodluck Jonathan for providing adequate security and an enabling environment for credible, free and fair election, in spite of the perceived hitches.

    The National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said in a statement that the party is also satisfied with the performance of its candidate, Comrade Tony Nwoye, at the poll.

    He said: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby commends President Goodluck Jonathan for providing adequate security and the enabling environment for the conduct of credible, free and fair governorship election in Anambra State last Saturday in spite of any perceived hitch(es)

    “In the same vein we commend the entire people of Anambra State and all stakeholders, who played key roles in ensuring peaceful and orderly conduct of the process.

    “While we now await the official result, we wish to express our satisfaction that the election was conducted without disturbances, despite the massive importation of political thugs to introduce violence, disrupt and rig the poll.

    “We also commend the candidate of our great party, Comrade Tony Nwoye for his resilience, grass root appeal and credible outing which brought him to the forefront in the race despite having only two weeks to campaign.

    “While we charge all our members to continue to remain calm and focused, we wish to state that our final position on the election will be made known when the overall result is declared by the INEC.”

  • Why Oghiadomhe voted at PDP convention, by Metuh

    Why Oghiadomhe voted at PDP convention, by Metuh

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday justified the presence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, at its recent convention in Abuja.

    The party said he was qualified to vote at the event as a delegate.

    The PDP regretted that critics had attempted to discredit the presidential aide and malign his personality out of ignorance.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said Oghiadomhe was duly elected as a delegate and participated in that capacity at the convention.

    He said: “It is the height of mischief for any person or group of persons to, under any guise whatsoever, allude that Chief Oghiadomhe, a two-time deputy governor and one of the leaders of the PDP, was not eligible to vote in the 2013 Special National Convention.”

    Metuh warned those peddling rumours against the party’s chieftain to desist or face the consequence.

    He added: “The PDP cautions those behind the peddling of this wicked falsehood to stop wasting their time, as it cannot, in any way, yield their expected dividend – which is to drag the name and office of the Chief of Staff to the President in the mud and discredit the August 31 Special National Convention.”

  • PDP justifies blockade of Rivers Govt House road

    PDP justifies blockade of Rivers Govt House road

     

    The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has justified police blockade of the road leading to Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s residence at the Rivers State Government house in Port Harcourt.

    In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, on Friday, the PDP, instead, accused the governor of inciting the public against the Federal Government and the Rivers State police commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu.

    “Of particular concern is the manipulation of the media by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Chibuike Amaechi to mislead Nigerians and create an impression that he was barred by the police and the Federal Government from entering the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.

    “This distortion of facts is totally unacceptable and unbefitting of a state governor. It is indeed condemnable that Governor Amaechi has continued to distort facts and interfere in the lawful activities of the police and security operatives ensuring law and order in Rivers State only to manipulate the media and portray himself as the victim,” the statement said.

    Metuh added that Amaechi was fully aware that based on the ruling of the courts, the police had sealed off a secretariat illegally opened by some individuals under the name, flag and colour of the PDP, consequent upon which the route leading to the structure and the Government house was also closed.

    He accused the governor of defying the closure order by choosing to access the Government House through the same route in company with “unauthorised persons” who sought to beat security to access the sealed secretariat.

    “Governor Amaechi cannot feign ignorance of the fact that the route was closed as he must have been fully informed by his security details, otherwise he is running an incompetent government that cannot guarantee the safety and welfare of his state.

    “Governor Amaechi must understand that the Nigeria police is a sacred institution which should not in anyway be dragged into politics. In the same vein, he must understand that facts are sacred and should not be distorted under any guise,” Metuh added.

     

     

     

  • PDP crisis: Metuh, others resign

    PDP crisis: Metuh, others resign

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, will be turning in his resignation letter before the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today.

    Metuh, who confirmed his resignation to reporters in his PDP secretariat office yesterday, said other officials affected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) report will also resign.

    He said: “I want to inform you that I am resigning as the National Publicity Secretary with effect from Thursday, June 20, 2013.

    “This resignation is in the overall interest of the party and is being done to put a final stop to the controversy generated by the INEC report on the mode of my election as National Publicity Secretary.

    “I have served this party as a member of the National Executive Committee for over 10 years and, therefore, my interest is to ensure that this party stabilises. I have written and submitted my letter.”

    Metuh said he took the decision after several meetings and consultations with the various stakeholders in the party, particularly those from the Southeast geopolitical zone.

    Asked if he will re-contest the position in a mid-term convention slated for July 15, Metuh said he will take a decision after consultation with his family and leaders of the party in the Southeast zone.

    “I will go back to them and seek their opinion. The decision is for the PDP leaders in my zone to take. I will continue to do my best in whatever capacity I find myself in the near future,” he said.

  • PDP crisis: Metuh, others resign

    PDP crisis: Metuh, others resign

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, would turn in his resignation letter before the commencement of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday.

    Metuh, who confirmed his resignation to reporters in his PDP secretariat office on Wednesday, said other officials affected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) report will also resign.

    He stated: “I want to inform you that I am resigning as the National Publicity Secretary with effect from Thursday, June 20, 2013.

    “This resignation is in the overall interest of the party and is being done to put a final stop to the controversy generated by the INEC report on the mode of my election as National Publicity Secretary.

    “I have served this party as a member of the National Executive Committee for over 10 years and therefore my interest is to ensure that this party stabilises. I have written and submitted my letter.”

    Metuh said he took the decision after several meetings and consultations with the various stakeholders in the party, particularly those from the Southeast geopolitical zone.

    Asked if he will re-contest the position in a mid-term convention slated for July 15, Metuh said he will take a decision after consultation with his family and leaders of the party in the Southeast zone.

    “I will go back to them and seek their opinion. The decision is for the PDP leaders in my zone to take. I will continue to do my best in whatever capacity I find myself in the near future,” he stated.

     

     

     

  • PDP not afraid of probe, says Metuh

    THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is not afraid of probe of the activities of its leaders since 1999.

    Its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, stated this in a statement yesterday.

    The party asked the opposition to prove itself by “accusing the regime of corruption” in the few states it controls as a demonstration of its fidelity to the anti- corruption cause.

    Metuh pointed out that the ruling party established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) and the Freedom of Information Act for the purpose of fighting corruption in the first place.

    The PDP hailed the manifesto of the merging All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it, however, as “a very poor imitation, a bland parody of the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party”.

    The ruling party scorned at the opposition parties, saying victory would not be offered them by chance and media bombast.

    “The leaders and members of the APC are entertaining themselves. The oppositions are in their dream world.

    “They are in deep slumber but will soon wake up to the stark reality that it takes more than noise making to defeat the PDP, the only truly national political party in Nigeria, with  impregnable structures in every polling booth, every  ward, local government and every state of the federation. They will wake up on the eve of 2015 and see us once again in power.

    “Those who recited the parable of the bloody baboon and monkey and other fellows who pledged the impossible in desperation, may engage in demagoguery to throw the state into chaos. Nigerians are however wiser,” the statement added

     

  • PDP national convention in order – Metuh

    PDP national convention in order – Metuh

    The PDP on Wednesday in Abuja said the National Convention that brought in the present National Working Committee (NWC) of the party was held in accordance with the party`s constitution.

    Mr Olisa Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, who spoke to newsmen shortly after the NWC meeting, said that the convention was also held in accordance with the country`s constitution.

    He said that the party had resolved to remain focused and not to comment on any rumour concerning the convention.

    Metuh was reacting to insinuations by some members of the opposition party who alleged that the PDP national convention which brought in its present NWC was not held in accordance with INEC guidelines.

    “We have resolved to remain focus in the administration of the party and not to respond to any further rumour or any issues concerning other matters about our convention.

    “Our national convention was in accordance with the constitution of the PDP and the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we stand by it,’’ Metuh said.

    The national publicity secretary said that the NWC was not at loggerhead with Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the party`s National Chairman as was reported by the media.

    “It is instructive to state as well that the NWC unanimously endorsed the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the National Chairman of the party.

    “We are supporting him fully because we believe in his ideas and programmes and together we will be able to move the party to a successful election in 2015.’’ Metuh said.

    He also said that the NWC was fully in support of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

    He said that this informed the decision of the chairman of the party to invite the ministers to brief the NWC on their activities to ensure that such activities were given the right publicity.

    Metuh said that the ministerial briefing was to showcase government’s performance in the various ministries to the entire country.

    According to him, the briefing is also aimed at informing Nigerians that the Federal Government’s transformation agenda is on course and that government is working in accordance with the party`s manifestoes.

    He maintained that the NWC was intact, united and in one accord in promoting the policies and programmes of the party.

    Metuh commended thanked members of the party across the country for their overwhelming support for the party`s national chairman and members of its NWC in the last one year.

    “The NWC under the leadership of Tukur is in support of all activities and all other bodies of the party, knowing fulyl well that constitutionally, the NWC is in charge of all affairs of the party in the nation,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Metuh as saying on the issue.

     

  • PDP greets opposition parties on merger

    PDP greets opposition parties on merger

    The Peoples Democratic Party has congratulated the opposition political parties for their successful merger and the formation of All Progressives Congress.

    In a statement in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Olisa Metuh, said that PDP as a ruling party and the biggest in West Africa welcomed the development.

    Metuh said the action was an indication that the nation’s democracy had come of age and was deepening.

    He said that with the formation of the APC, the PDP and Nigerians expected to see robust debates on the economy and other issues of governance in the general interest of the country.

    The publicity secretary advised the opposition parties to use the vehicle of their new party to challenge its elected and appointed officers to debate on government projects and achievements.

    He said that such debates would benefit Nigerians and enhance the political development of the nation on the long run.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that four major opposition parties – the Congress for Progressive Change, Action Congress of Nigeria, All Progressive Grand Alliance and All Nigeria Peoples Party on Tuesday merged to form the APC.

    The PDP spokesman said the party was ready at anytime to debate on the nation’s economy and other issues that would move the nation forward.

    He said, “We charge the opposition to use the new party to challenge our elected and appointed officers on debates on issues of governance.

    “We are ready, willing and able at any time to debate on any issue pertaining to the economy and any other issue of governance.

    “We want useful and constructive debates so that at the end of the day, Nigerians will be the utmost beneficiaries.”

    He said that PDP, as a ruling party was committed to the stability and development of the country, and would not dwell on the shortcomings of the merger arrangement.