The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP GF), Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has enjoined re-elected and incoming governors of the party to close ranks, love one another and unite in order to continue to set the democratic pace for others to follow.
At a special programme of the Forum held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Saturday, Tambuwal said that the surest way to continue delivering dividends of democracy to the people who elected them into office, waxing stronger and achieving their mission and vision.
He advised the governors to always strive to put their personal interests behind that of the PDP, the people and the nation.
The outgoing Sokoto State Governor equally expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support and understanding while he provided leadership as one among equals.
He said: “Gathered here today, are past Governors who served meritoriously as Chairmen of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
“These men at different times piloted the transformation agenda which we all enjoy at various levels in various states today.
“For my colleagues, out-going Governors of our Forum, I commend all of you for your solidarity and comradeship.
“As a first among equals, I can vouch for the warm support and friendship of all the Governors of our Party.
“Sometimes, it was tough agreeing in all things, but we never forgot to put our interests behind that of our party, people and nation.
“The moments we have shared under this Forum have been moments of joy, learning, comradeship support for one another and a desire for the best of our Party, States and country. To you all, I express my gratitude”.
He further said: “You are the shinning armours of the party going forward. We are happy to bequeath to you, a Forum that is strong, cohesive and vocal in the defence of democracy and good governance in the country.
“With the calibre of the Governors-elect I see here today, I can say confidently that our Forum is going to be in good hands”.
At the award ceremony afterwards, four of PDP-GF’s former chairmen – former governors Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo State), Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti State), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe State) and Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa State) – were honoured.
They were honoured in appreciation of their selfless and invaluable roles.
While Dankwabo and Dickson personally received their awards, presented by the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum, Fayose’s award was received on his behalf by Hajia Aisha Ibrahim, while that of Mimiko was received on his behalf by a former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi.
The Governors-elect, who were received into the Forum and given awards were, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Ndubusi Mbah (Enugu State), Agbu Kefas (Taraba State), Ameopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State).
Also welcomed were three re-elected governors – Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State.
In attendance were major party stakeholders including its presidential candidate in the 2023 election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
