PDP inaugurate Benue 17-Man Caretaker Committee, Task Them on Reconciliation

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Iliya Damagum, has inaugurated a 17-man Caretaker Committee for Benue State chapter of the party to conduct an all-inclusive congresses from the local governments to the state.

The struggle for supremacy between former governors, Gabriel Suswam and Samuel Ortom, has turned the party aside. As a fallout, followers of both camps suspended each other

Inaugurating the Benue State caretaker committee, Damagum said, “Your duty is simply to usher in a new executive during this ongoing Congress. This is not an easy task, you must avoid sentiments, selfishness and taking all even though you come from various interests.

“You must also put the party first, before your personal interest. Until you have a party in Benue, you will not be able to achieve in Benue. We have a dounting task.

“We all know the crisis there, that led to our bad outing during the last election and I am sure we should use this opportunity and you to correct that anomaly that made us lose that state which is predominantly a PDP state.

“I am very happy with the selection of the Chairman to lead the committee and enjoin, all of you to give the support he needs. The only way to succeed is through getting the necessary support of every stakeholders.

“The Chairman of this Committee is from Plateau State. He is going to help you achieve reconciliation, progress that has so far been retarded within the party in Benue.

“You must work for an inclusive executive for the state. In any party you have the good and the bad, you must carry all along, everyone is important,” Damagum stressed.

The National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Umar Bature, said the setting of the committee was due to the expiration of the state executive committee that expired August 8, 2024.

He explained that congresses had earlier taken place in 17 local governments out of the 23 local governments, adding that six local governments got a court restraining order, hence the caretaker committee will conclude the remaining election.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Bali told the leadership of the PDP that the committee would fulfil the unity of the party in Benue State