Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reaffirmed the validity of the Peoples Democratic Party’s decision to support Sunday Ude-Okoye, emphasising that the party will emerge stronger from its ongoing crisis.
Lawal noted that the PDP must learn from past mistakes, adding that the recent governors’ meeting in Delta State demonstrated the party’s commitment to regaining its footing and leading Nigeria effectively.
Speaking in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Sunday during a condolence visit to the state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, over the passing of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde, Lawal expressed confidence in the PDP’s resilience.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser (Media), Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
Addressing the current developments within the PDP, Lawal stated, “In politics, there are always issues. With what happened in Delta two days ago, it shows we are making waves and are on track to reconnect with the people to lead this country.
“We, the governors, are the leaders of this party. We have a say, and whatever we decide will be implemented. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the PDP.
“The ongoing crisis is normal; it happens in other parties too. So, it is nothing new. It is one of those things.
“This will ultimately make us stronger because we need to learn from certain mistakes. It is all part of the learning process.”
Lawal, accompanied by members of his cabinet, emphasised the significance of his visit to Makinde.
“Governor Makinde is my very good friend, and it is an obligation for me to come and commiserate with him and his entire family on the loss of his older brother. I am also here with my team.
“Death is inevitable, and we are here to show our support and tell him that we stand with him in this trying moment,” he said.
On Sunday, Makinde also received prominent visitors, including the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina; the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Mr Idris Ajimobi; the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau; and some members of the NFF Board.
Addressing newsmen after his visit, Adesina extended condolences to Makinde and his family, sayinh, “He (Makinde’s older brother) passed away at such a young age. So, I came here to be with the governor, and I pray that God gives him the strength and fortitude to bear this tragic loss.
“I also conveyed the condolences of my wife and the AfDB because Governor Makinde is a valuable partner. May the soul of his brother rest in perfect peace.”
Similarly, NFF President, Gusau expressed his sympathy, saying, “My words of encouragement to Governor Makinde are simply to pray for him and hope that God grants him the ability to cope with this loss. Losing a senior brother at such an age and at a time like this is not easy.
“But as a friend, brother, and someone who has been making a significant impact not only in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole, we felt it was important to be here to commiserate with him and his family.”
Gusau further disclosed that the NFF has been collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education to restore certain football tournaments to foster grassroots development in the sport.
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