HON. NIMI WALSON-JACK ON THE WAY FORWARD The last 24 months were undoubtedly momentous. From a small team of friends, who like me, believed we were at the crossroads in Rivers State, we built from scratch, an organisation, RIVERS CONVERGE, comprised of tens of thousands of supporters, which defined the character of the politics we aspire to see. During this period we travelled the nooks and crannies of Rivers State, without fanfare. You, the Campaign Team, and I spent time, energy and other resources visiting and consulting with a cross-section of party members and interest groups. With your help, we ran a clean and issues-based campaign, which was reflective of the society we aspire to build. It was a journey that defined us as front-liners and for which we invested our absolute best resources to actualise. As a result of the glaring compromise of processes and lack of internal democracy in our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), we had no option but to boycott the Ward congresses and later withdrew from the Governorship Primary election that held penultimate Monday, December 8, 2014. Our withdrawal from the primaries raised many questions, one of which was ‘What next?’ I have thought long and hard, and consulted widely about the next step. The Elders and Leaders of RIVERS CONVERGE, after days of fasting, prayers and deliberations, also had spiritual unanimity about the way forward. The options before us were 1) to leave the PDP and join another political, 2) to leave the PDP and withdraw from politics, and 3) to remain in the PDP. The temptation to take a drastic action was strong. I have arrived at a decision. Leaving the PDP, joining another political party or withdrawing from politics are ruled out. We have decided to stay in the PDP. Remaining in the PDP is God’s will for us. Throughout the consultative process, I had appealed to defecting members to return and advocated for solving internal party problems from within. I live by my creed. We have to remain in the PDP to refine it from within and afford others, in the future, a better platform to actualise our collective aspiration for good governance and quality leadership. In arriving at this decision, I am conscious of the fact that the PDP was founded and has been nurtured as an institution for governance. We must not create the impression that the PDP is best as a “use and dump” for elections only. The least we can do is to stay on and contribute to building the political party of our dream. Also, we have campaigned on the mantra of an inclusive government. Inclusiveness requires keeping an open mind, and if there is any time that is required, it is now. This decision may not be palatable to all, given the fact that we are the aggrieved group and are reasonably popular to run and win on a different platform. However, I believe that staying within the PDP and working for the good of Rivers State is our best option. I, therefore, appeal to you for restraint, tolerance and understanding as we work within the system to have all issues addressed and resolved. As we stay and work in the PDP, we would not put our faith aside but continue to make it an essential core of our daily walk and work. The knowledge of God is never misleading. He always gives us the best. Joseph, Moses, Nehemiah, Daniel and his friends served in secular governments in plural societies. They waited patiently and had outstanding testimonies, and God’s Kingdom plan was advanced. Staying in the PDP comes with rights and obligations. One of our obligations would be to campaign for and ensure victory for the party; represented by candidates in the State and national elections. The 2015 General Elections would be a defining moment for Nigeria. All through our campaign we have advocated support for President Jonathan on the strength of his performance records. We cannot afford to compromise our support for the President at this critical time in our history. In the interest of our greater good, I make this concerted appeal for your support for his aspiration. We remain committed to that resolve and for the greater interest of Rivers State, choose to remain in the PDP to ensure its continued success both locally and nationally. The decision to remain in the PDP does not come with any promise. We are however, convinced that being members of a ruling party would open windows of opportunities for our members and supporters. My dear Elders, Brothers, Sisters, friends and colleagues, you have shown an uncommon commitment in this effort to enthrone political leadership that is equipped, ready and committed to stem the drift of our State and turn the tide to flow towards peace, unity and economic growth and development. You have sacrificed personal, financial and material resources in this regard. You also prayed fervently and fasted to the Lord God Almighty to bring in the desired results. As the leader in this project for righteous servant leaders in our land, I could not have asked for a better group of supporters and financiers. You have shown without any doubt that good people are still in the majority and that you all are just waiting for the right person to lead the way. I crave your understanding and continued support at this critical time of our existence as a people. Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack Leader, Rivers Converge
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 13:16:51 +0000
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