L-R, Ebonyi state governor Dave Umahi, Governor Wike, Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba state

Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Rivers  State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the 2016 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party will serve as a springboard  for the revival  of  the  party and recovery of power at the Federal level in 2019.

The Chairman  of  the 2016 PDP National Convention Committee emphasised that the convention will also set the party in motion  to win more states during  the  2019 elections.

Speaking during  the  inaugural meeting  of  the  committee  at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Wike  said  the committee will also help in instilling confidence in the  members  of  the  party that the party remains strong and viable.

“One thing that is important  is that this committee  will revive our party. This committee will  also allay the fears of our members  over the rumours they hear.

“It is important for us to rebuild PDP  to be a stronger party. PDP is our home in Rivers State.  This is the only party we know here. This is the only party other members know across the states.”

He urged members  of  the  committee to work as a team to ensure the success of the 2016 convention. He assured  of a peaceful  hitch free convention.

“We are now in the opposition.  Our interest should be on how to rebuild  the party and take it back to power at the centre  in 2019”, he said.

Speaking  on  the  security  situation  in the  state,  Governor  Wike  said  that  the state is peaceful  despite  the  propaganda  being  sponsored  by  the  opposition  APC.

Prominent PDP members at the inaugural meeting were  Wike   (Rivers)–  Chairman ,Gov.  Darius Ishiaku(Taraba)  –  Deputy Chairman, Gov. Dave Umahi  (Ebonyi),  Ahmed Gulak,  Senator Sam Egwu, Muazu Babangida Aliyu , Mr .Celestine Omehia, Senator Abdulkadir Bala Mohammed and  Leo Ogor.

Others are: Chief Sergeant Awuse , Dr. T.W. Danagogo ,Senator Lee Maeba Emeka Ihedioha ,Chief Dan Orbih, Gogo Bright Tamuno and Dr. Umar Ardo.