Ahead of the June 16, 2018 local government election in Rivers State, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced re-registration of old and new members into the party across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Addressing local government chairmen and secretaries of the party at the PDP Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the State Chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah, charged them to take the message to their respective LGAs and ensure that the exercise is given the seriousness it deserves.

He urged the party executives to go into all the wards across the state and ensure that all the decampees from the APC and other political parties are registered.

“Even those of them who will be decamping today and wish to join our party must be registered. Do not restrict anyone from becoming a member of our great party. We need them and we don’t want anyone to stop them from registering due to personal interests,” Bro. Obuah charged.

While handing over the party registers to the chairmen, Obuah charged them to immediately reach out to the ward chairmen and secretaries and ensure that the exercise is kick started in earnest.

He warned that on no condition should the membership cards be hoarded, adding that even though most of the cards have expired, arrangements are being made to give out the new cards before the end of the day.

Obuah said that the party would charge a token for the cards to ensure that members make financial commitment to the party.

He warned against adoption of candidates for the various elective positions during the local government election.

The State Party Chairman said it would be out of place for him to supervise such undemocratic practice, adding that the PDP is committed to uphold its constitution and give every aspirant a level playing ground.

“So it will be bad of you as a leader who is supposed to be an unbiased umpire to adopt one person and follow him or her to campaign. It is unfair and does not encourage,” he stated, warning that the party would not hesitate to use its hammer on any chairman who indulges in such act.

Obuah charged the chairmen not to hesitate to contact the State Secretariat for clarifications in the event of challenges.

He further disclosed that the sale of forms for the respective elective positions are still on and called on interested members to seize the opportunity to realise their political aspirations.

•Photo shows Rivers PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah flanked on the right by State PDP Vice Chairman, Hon Charles Awortu and on his left by State Party Secretary, Hon Samuel Okpoto

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