Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ambassador Umar Damagum, said nobody can intimidate him into abdicating my responsibility.
Damagum who was speaking against the background of the letter he signed with National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, against that of the National Legal Adviser withdrawing the appeal filed by a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, stated that the National Chairman and Secretary are signatories.
The National Chairman had been under attack for pandering to the dictates of Wike in the management of the PDP affairs, especially in the crisis in Rivers State.
But at the inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees in Abuja on Wednesday, Damagum said he does not take decisions without consulting members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
He blamed the attack on the build-up to the September 7 PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and said he would not be deterred.
“I have a responsibility to this party to keep it safe and stable. I intend to take all necessary actions to ensure the party remains stable. But I have reached a point where I have to speak out.
“I have avoided talking because I know so many things. When I open my mouth, I know it will not be pleasant, but that is the price of leadership. I’m ready to take that bashing, more bashing.
“And to my detractors, let me tell you, you will see more of that letter because I will not abdicate my responsibility. But I will act within the confines of the law, as stipulated by the constitution,” he promised.
Damagum warned that while trying to bring him down, they will destroy the party.
“Every time people say the party is dying, they are sending a message to the opposition that we are weak.
“If you believe in the party, you should speak positively, unless you are an agent of destruction,” he added.
He advised elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark to see his old age as God-given opportunity and wisdom to be a father to all, not to engage in public arguments.
“He has all it takes to do the needful, not by taking a sentimental approach to the situation.
“I was not raised to be disrespectful to elders, so I don’t intend to dwell on this further,” he said.
Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Senator Adolphus Wabara said the future of the party depends on the functioning of the two committees.
Wabara urged the committees to function without fear or favour and perform their duties no matter whose ox is gored.
He also advised them to be guided by the PDP constitution in whatever decisions or actions they will take.
“Failure of which, in my considered opinion, will lead to Nigeria becoming a one-party state. This is the beginning because, without opposition, there is no democracy.
“This party should not be allowed to die in the hands of these two committees,” he added.
The committees, the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees have Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Chief Tom Ikimi as Chairmen respectively.