NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
Photo combo of Gov Makinde and Nyesom Wike
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said he will not go low with the camp of the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, opposing the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Daily Trust reports that Wike, a former governor of Rivers state and a key figure in the crisis rocking the PDP, had vowed to reject the Ibadan convention scheduled for November 15 and 16.
He had also denied knowledge of the convention.
But speaking to newsmen shortly after the Southern Zonal Consultative Meeting of the party held in Lagos, Makinde who was asked about the opposition from the Wike group simply said, “Personally, when people go low, or they go into the gutters, I don’t go with them.”
Southern PDP Governors, others in closed door meeting over zoning
I’m a real custodian of Yoruba culture, not in supremacy battle with any Oba –Alaafin
The meeting tagged, “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” had in attendance Governors Makinde of Oyo State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
Others are Deputy Governor of Enugu Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai who represents Governor Peter Mba, Chairman Board of Trustees of the party, Senator Adelphus Wabara and Senator Ben Obi.
Also in attendance are former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George; former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governor of Ebonyi Sam Egwu; former Governor of Akwa Ibom Udom Emmanuel; Former Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akinjide,
Others are Dr Ali Odefa, Chief Emma Ogidi; Hon. Nnena Ukeje, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, among others.
However Makinde did not disclose the resolutions of the meeting, saying their decisions on zoning would be communicated to the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party. The NEC is expected to meet on Monday.
Makinde however stated that the party is making efforts to reach out to all aggrieved members in order to build a virile and united party that would serve as a credible alternative to the ruling APC.
He stated that the caliber of people at the meeting was an indication that PDP was not dead as being insinuated in some quarters.
He said, “I can disagree with people, but there shouldn’t be anything personal here. It should be about what are we giving to Nigerians because they are watching, you know. We want to give a PDP. In Oyo state, they showed last Saturday that PDP is not dead.
“In most other places of the 12 states, PDP came second in each of those. It’s some indication to us that if we continue to work hard, if we continue to strive hard, if we continue to bring our people together, we’ll get to a point where Nigerians will really start listening to us.” (Daily Trust)