Ebonyi State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Onyekachi Nwebonyi, in this interview with Special Correspondent,CHIJIOKE AGWU, speaks on his recent election, his agenda at repositioning the party, Buhari’s one year in office, among other issues.
Victory and celebration as Ebonyi PDP chairman
So many things might have accounted for that. Being the youngest chairman of PDP in the state since the inception of the party may be one of the reasons. Second, there is a saying that facts speak for themselves. Maybe, people that I had come in contact with who actually understood my personality felt it was the right decision. People who know me know my values, my hatred for corruption and my respect for people. That, I think, might have contributed to the jubilation.
I contested just like every other person and, as God wanted, party leaders, elders and supporters said they wanted me to serve them. I am very grateful to God for that.
Ebonyi PDP under the new leadership
Under my leadership, PDP is going to experience unprecedented growth. By that I mean that I am going to scout for more members. I will embark on aggressive membership drive to boost the membership strength of the party in the state. I will also ensure that those who left the party for one reason or another are brought back to the party because politics is a game of numbers.
Since the beginning of this democratic dispensation in Ebonyi, PDP has been in power and it has been as a result of our ability to maintain more members than other political parties in the state as well as our ability to keep our campaign promises. I will also ensure that those elected on the platform of the party fulfil their electioneering promises and act in line with the party’s constitution because that is the only way the people will always vote for us during elections. This is because governance is a social contract between those in power and the people. If the people vote you in, it is expected that you provide social services to the people. And failure to do that is a breach of the social contract. I, as the party chairman, will make sure that our flag-bearers act in accordance with this understanding.
Funding the party, given the decline in the state revenues and the seeming reluctance of the governor to fund it
Going by the constitutional provisions of our party, there are many ways of generating funds for the party such as grants from individuals and associations, levies from members and, of course, we can venture into business. I believe that if these avenues as stipulated are properly harnessed, we will have the financial strength to move on.
Assuaging the feelings of aggrieved members
I don’t think anybody is aggrieved over the outcome of the congresses. However, this game is one of interest. At some point, one’s interest may appear not properly protected; but at the same time we should work as brothers. If it is not your turn today, tomorrow it might be yours. I am the chairman today, tomorrow another person will be here as others were here before me. It is a matter of time and turn. However, I will still talk to the elders of our party to meet with them, if any is aggrieved.
Ebonyi governor’s performance, one year after
The government of PDP in this state as led by David Umahi has done so well in virtually all sectors. You can see the new look of the state capital. It was never like this. The rural roads are receiving attention too. There is massive human empowerment going on. The Bible is correct in saying that when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice. In Ebonyi, we are happy. I think the heavens are also happy.
Youth-friendly PDP in Ebonyi
First of all, our governor is a youth-loving governor. He has so many programmes for the youths. There is an ongoing YOUWIN programme for the youths being spearheaded by the office of the Commissioner for Economic Empowerment.
Even in the Nigerian democracy generally, despite setbacks here and there, I believe that we are getting there gradually.
Assessment of the APC-led federal government under Buhari one year after
The APC federal government has failed. It could not even deliver on any of its campaign promises. The economy has crumbled. The government has further thrown the people into severe hardship by increasing the price of fuel. The purported fight against corruption is fake. It is just a clampdown on opposition elements in the country. Nigerians must be regretting voting for APC. In 2019, PDP will replace APC because APC has failed Nigeria.
