The raging cold war between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and the party's national leadership played up yesterday in Abuja, as most of the governors boycotted the launch of a book in honour of the party's National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
The presentation of the book, The Global Villager, a biography of Alhaji Tukur, was part of the activities that marked Tukur's 77th birthday.
Out of the serving 23 PDP governors, only three were present at the event that took place at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, while two others sent their representatives.
Those in attendance were Governors Isa Yuguda, Theodore Orji and Patrick Yakowa, of Bauchi, Abia and Kaduna States.
Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State and his Plateau State counterpart, Jonah Jang, sent their deputies.
But the Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, apologized on behalf of his colleagues, as he told the gathering that he had their mandate to pick 10 copies of the book for them.
The governors and the PDP national chairman have been engaged in a battle of wits over the party's supremacy.
Before Orji mounted the podium to make his remarks, Yuguda, was called to speak on behalf of the PDP governors but he declined.
Instead, Yuguda told Orji to speak on behalf of their colleagues.
The Abia governor told the gathering of mainly party chieftains that included President Goodluck Jonathan and some serving ministers, that the governors were absent due to circumstances beyond their control.
He said: "I have been mandated by PDP governors in the PDP Governors Forum to come and speak. To all the PDP governors in the Governors Forum, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur represents the Iroko in the forest. If you enter the forest and you don't see the Iroko, it is no forest. Where you see the Iroko is the forest. Bamanga Tukur is the leader in our party.
"Let me apologise on behalf of PDP governors who aren't here because of circumstances beyond their control. Some of them have sent their representatives, but of course an event for Bamanga Tukur isn't one for excuses.''
Jonathan described the PDP national chairman as a man of honour, a detribalised Nigerian and an enviable businessman, who "has promoted businesses more than any other businessman in Africa."
Jonathan added: "Today gives us an opportunity to honour a man who has done well in contributing to the economic growth of Nigeria. We are here to honour a man of honour. His life's story is that of patience and orderly rise to the top. He didn't suddenly become rich. He has lived a life that symbolises that the best is possible in this country. He symbolises the life of perseverance in times of adversity.''
President Jonathan also recalled Alhaji Tukur's contributions to economic integration and unity in Africa in his official capacity as Chairman of African Business Forum.
The chief launcher, Chief Arthur Eze, who launched the biography with N10 million, described the PDP national chairman as a straightforward individual and appealed to him to continue to support President Jonathan.
Eze said: "He is a straightforward man. I know him and I respect him. I don't belong to any political party, but I respect individuals. I want to urge you, please, don't listen to anybody. Just listen to your President and support him to complete his term."
Source: http://sunnewsonline.com/new/national/crack-in-pdp-governors-boycott-tukurs-book-launch/
I wonder how on earth a party that is characterized with serious rage,full of mischief, hatred and enviousness among it's own members can lead and govern us right. God help us and send us the Messiah after your own heart in the year 2015, gbam![color=#000099][/color]
