Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has congratulated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for emerging as the presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the just-concluded national convention of the party held in Port Harcourt.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, also commended the delegates to the convention and members of the organizing committee, led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, for holding a convention in which a candidate was elected in a free, fair, transparent and rancour-free atmosphere.
“Our just concluded convention was a partisan event which the country can show-case as an example that democracy has a future in Nigeria and that when we are determined we can elect our leaders without any manipulation, intimidation and violation of the law and democratic norms.
“The credit goes to the leadership of our party led by Prince Uche Secondus, the organizing committee led by Governor Okowa, the numerous delegates who came from across the country and conducted themselves in a civil, mature and democratic manner. I give kudos to them.
“My commendation also goes to the government and people of Rivers State, for providing the best necessary facilities for hosting over 5000 delegates, campaign workers, security personnel, observers, media people and others who came to play one role or the other in the convention.
“More importantly, let me congratulate the winner and new flagbearer of our party and all the fellow aspirants for running credible and mature campaigns and working all along to reassure millions of our fellow party members and other Nigerians that PDP will leave the convention venue more united and ready to work together to form the next government at the federal and other levels in a manner that we will unite the country, grow the economy, carry along all stakeholders, empower the youths and make government serve the people better.
“Like I said in my speech at the convention after the official declaration of Alhaji Atiku as winner, all the other aspirants, especially myself, are ready to walk and work with him to spread the positive message of the PDP and his campaigns acrosss the nooks and crannies of the country such that the PDP will win the 2019 general elections.
“Those who expect that the party will degenerate into crisis after the primaries have miscalculated. We will all work for the Atiku-PDP ticket to succeed and contribute ideas into solving the problems confronting Nigeria today. The event in Port Harcourt between yesterday and today was a victory for Nigeria and for democracy. We will not lose the momentum but sustain it to rebuild Nigeria and elect Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria.
“I wish all our delegates and other participants in the convention journey mercies back home”, Saraki stated.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, also congratulated Atiku.
The speaker said this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, on Sunday in Abuja.
Dogara said that the task before Atiku was now to unite with other aspirants to work toward the success of the party in the 2019 elections.
He expressed confidence that with proper strategies and consensus, the party would win the 2019 elections.
“Come February 2019, PDP will lead Nigeria to the transformation that we so dearly desire as citizens of this dear country,” he said.
The speaker commended other aspirants for accepting the outcomes of the exercise, stating that their dedicated involvement was the foundation that would lead the party to victory in the presidential elections.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, also congratulated Atiku.
In a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, the governor applauded other aspirants for their resilience, calm disposition and sportsmanship throughout the contest, describing the outcome as a victory for Nigeria’s democracy and members of PDP.
According to him, “the former Vice President has the capacity to bring about the desired change in the polity with his wealth of experience across different sectors of the nation’s economy, having successfully led Nigeria’s economic team as the Vice President and also as a major player in the private sector. Nigerians are earnestly yearning for leaders who can build bridges, restructure the country and lead the way to prosperity for all Nigerians. I believe Alhaji Abubakar is that leader we need at this time”.
He called on all former aspirants and stakeholders of PDP to join hands with the candidate to ensure the party regains power at the center in 2019 in order to make Nigeria great again.
Also, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State congratulated Atiku, saying the former Vice President has the requisite experience and knowledge to tackle the challenges bedevilling the country.
Dickson described the primaries that produced Atiku as the freest and best election ever conducted in the history of the country.
“Let me congratulate the former Vice President and now the presidential candidate of our great party for the next presidential election over his resounding victory in a free, fair, transparent and credible primary election.
“The delegates have spoken and they have elected a man who understands our country, the Niger Delta and a man who has the requisite experience.
“He can build bridges of understanding and unity and form a great team to address the challenges that are facing our country.
“We look forward to working, collaborating and supporting him in that onerous responsibility. As he rightly said, it is not a job left for him alone.” Dickson said.
Dickson commended the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), convention planning committee and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and his team “for their hard work and the good job they have done.”
“I cannot fail to appreciate my brother, Governor Nyesom Wike, the government and people of Rivers State for their hospitality and sacrifices in hosting this historic event.
“Let me also commend our worthy leaders most of whom are my compatriots and friends for offering themselves for service. I thank and appreciate them for their show of sportsmanship and magnanimity,” Dickson said
