The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has stated that no one can pressure him into stepping down from his position. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, chaired by Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Tom Ikimi respectively, Damagum said individuals who lack knowledge of the national working committee operations are spreading misinformation to the public......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
”Let me send a message to everyone talking about Damagum this, Damagum that – I cannot be intimidated. The more you mention me, the more popular I become,” he said.
Damagum noted that he is being pushed to the wall, warning that if he opens his mouth, it will not be pleasant
“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’ve reached a point where I have to speak out.
“I’ve avoided talking because I know so many things. When I open my mouth, I know it will not be pleasant, but that’s the price of leadership. I’m ready to take that bashing, more bashing.
“And to my detractors, let me tell you, you’ll see more. Because I will not abdicate my responsibility. But I will act within the confines of the law, as stipulated by the constitution.
”So I’m not deterred. You can try to bring me down, but importantly, while doing so, please remember that we have NEC,” he stated.
The Acting National Chairman said he always feels “sad any time our members go on television saying that the party is dying.”
“Not mindful of the fact that the party has remained a force to reckon with in this country. We have faced several crises, yet today, we are still standing.
“I don’t know, maybe it is the wish of some for the party to die, but honestly speaking, as a dedicated member of this party, you should always speak positively of your party,” he added.
Damagum also warned elder stateman, Edwin Clark, who accused him of colluding with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to destroy the PDP in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I want to use this opportunity also to address a letter from our elder statesman (Clark) that has been brought to my attention. I don’t intend to speak much on it.
“I will borrow Olisa Metu’s remarks from 2015 when Edwin Clark left the party. There’s no doubt that he is an elder statesman. But I thought that when you reach that age, God has given you the 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,” the Acting National Chairman said.