PDP Holds National Convention 21 May in Port Harcourt

...Condemns harassment of chieftains by security operatives 
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP in its 69th meeting
deliberated on critical issues as they relate to the party and the
nation, and resolved as follows.

A. Party Congresses and National Convention;
1. NEC approved the time-table for the party’s Congresses and National
Convention.  Congresses commence on Saturday, April 23, 2016 and
culminate in the National Convention on Saturday, May 21, 2016.

2. NEC approved the party’s Guidelines for Congresses and the National
Convention. National Convention holds in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

3. NEC after exhaustive deliberations approved the extension of the
tenure of office of all organs of the party at all levels until the
conduct of Congresses and National Convention. This is however with the
exception of Edo and Ondo States.

4. NEC approved the setting up of four special committees in preparation
for the National Convention. They are National Convention Committee,
Reconciliation Committee, Zoning Committee and Finance Committee.

B. Erosion of Fundamental Human Rights and Harassment of Opposition In
Nigeria.

1. NEC considered the erosion of fundamental human rights and
constitutionally guaranteed personal liberty of Nigeria, especially key
leaders of the PDP by the APC-led Federal Government and resolved as
follows:

1. Condemned the incessant harassment, maltreatment and unlawful
incarceration of PDP leaders at various levels by Government controlled
law enforcement and prosecution agencies.

2. Condemned the Friday, March 4, 2016 invasion and raiding of Ekiti
State House of Assembly and subsequent arrest and continued detention of
four PDP members of the House by the Directorate of State Services (DSS)
on trumped-up charges.

3. Demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the four PDP
members of the Ekiti House of Assembly by the DSS.

4. Resolved to stand in solidarity with all Nigerians whose fundamental
rights as citizens are being infringed upon by the Federal Government.

5. Called on the international community and all civil rights
organizations world-wide to take note of the denial of fundamental human
rights, abuse of liberties and freedom of individuals; and the rapid
descent of Nigeria into totalitarianism.

6. NEC also condoled with the families of its 18 members who were
brutally murdered in Ogoni land in Rivers state as well as with the
Federal Government and the Government of Kogi State over the unfortunate
death of the late Minister of state for Labour, Barr. James Ocholi, and
resolved to send a high-powered delegation to condole with his family.

7. NEC in session also congratulated all its members who won in their
rerun elections, including former Senate President, Senator David Mark.

Signed:

Senator Ali-Modu Sherrif            Prof Adewale Olapido
National Chairman                National Secretary