Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, was on Monday inaugurated as the Chairman of the special National Convention Planning Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he assured that no matter the venue chosen for the Convention, the Committee will work round the clock to organise free, fair and acceptable convention.

Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Elder Yomi Akinwunmi inaugurated the Committee on behalf of the Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja.

According to Governor Okowa, “I thank the National Working Committee and members of our party for finding us worthy to serve in this Committee; all of us believe that the party should remain united and focused; what is needed is a free and fair primaries to be conducted for all our aspirants, no matter where the venue is, we will do what is right and no one will have reason to complain; we believe we are capable of doing the work.

“We do know as a party, that we are in a critical situation as a nation, this is about the most important assignment of our party this year as the special convention will see to the emergence of candidate who will be our next President; we are grateful to God that we have credible party men who are contesting for the position.”

Governor Okowa continued: “When the process is credible and the election is free and fair, we will have buy-in of all the aspirants who will lead us into the campaign.

“We will put in all our best, all that is in us, trusting God, we will come out with a candidate in a free and fair manner that no one will complain.”

Elder Akinwunmi had said while inaugurating the Committee that Governor Okowa was chosen to be the Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee because, “he is a thorough gentleman who conducted the best Convention ever had in Eagle Square, the international community wants to see the process that will lead to the emergence of the next President of Nigeria that is why we have chosen a man of integrity, a man of pedigree to work with reputable, tested and trusted men of our party to organise the Convention.”

The high point of the occasion was the unveiling of the Special National Convention Flag and presentation of appointment letters to members of the Committee which has the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi as Secretary.

In another development, Governor Okowa will today, Tuesday, September 25, 2018, be conferred with the Best Governor, Grassroots and People Development, at this year’s African Leadership Good Governance Awards.

Governor Okowa emerged winner of the award after he scored 43.91 per cent of the total votes cast in this category to beat other contenders.

The award will be received on his behalf by the State Commissioners for Information and Economic Planning, Ogbueshi Patrick Ukah, and Dr. Kingsley Emu, as well as Mr. Sam Ogrih during the International Forum on African Leadership (IFAL) billed to hold today at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.

This award represents the highest seal of approval, confidence and achievement from the Board of the African Leadership Magazine Group.

The keynote address at the ceremony will be presented by the President of the Republic of Tanzania, John Magufuli.

Several African presidential delegations, private sector leaders, government officials and other relevant stakeholders are expected from Tanzania, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Seychelles, Ethiopia and Mauritius, among others.

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