OJEMA CHARGES APA/AGATU PDP FAITHFUL TO REMAIN STEADFAST, RESOLUTE AS WWC INAUGURATED
—More party leaders clear the air Zoning
The Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on National Inland Waterways, Chief. Hon. Pst Ojotu Ojema FESMI, has charged members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Apa and Agatu LGAs to remain steadfast with the party as it is undergoing reorganization for future election victories.
Ojema gave this charge on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Onyebi Resorts Ugbokpo, Apa LGA Headquarters during the Apa/Agatu Expanded Caucus Meeting of the party.
“Let me first of all thank God for making today’s Caucus meeting possible, marking the second of its kind since my assumption of office as the Member representing the Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly. The mammoth crowd and jubilant mood are indications that all is well with our great party”.
“PDP has done so much for all of us in one way or the other. Most of us here have got identity, recognition, appointment or other forms of elevation through the party. It is now our turn to reciprocate the enormous things the party has done for us by committing our % loyalty, discharging our responsibilities effectively and diligently, promoting and be its good ambassadors through good work and helping those in need in order to endear the party to the people”.
“To you, the newly inaugurated members of the Ward Working Committees (WWC), always take your responsibilities very seriously. No form of assiduity that will go unrewarded. The party won’t hesitate to replace anyone found wanting. PDP is like a military Barrack, Soldiers will come and go but the barrack will remain. No one can bring the party down There is no room for any form of compromise.”, Ojema warmed”.
“PDP is not the alphabets or the building structures but we the leaders and members of the party. PDP is the most organized and the only party with structures in every nook and cranny of Nigeria and the only party that has not changed name since the coming of the full fledged democracy in Nigeria. Therefore, every hand must be on deck to consolidate on these records and bring the party back to power in 2027”, Ojema said.
On why those aggrieved aftermath of the State, Local Government and Ward Congresses should reconsider their action, Chief Ojema said: “all those who emerged as leaders of the party in the state, LG and Wards, legitimately bought their forms from the immediate past State Working Committee of the party. In Agatu for example, there was consensus in 7 out of the 10 Council Wards. Election was only held in 3 wards namely, Obagaji, Egba and Ogbaulu freely and fairly and winners emerged. No need for such grievance and vituperations against the party as no one was shortchanged during the process”, Ojema explained.
In their separate speeches on behalf of the people of Apa LGA, immediate past Special Adviser to Former Governor of Benue State on Special Duties, Hon Joseph Odaudu, former Member of Board of Trustees of PDP, Former Caretaker Chairman of Apa LGA and retired Deputy Comptroller of Prison, Mrs Joy Agi mni and the OgbenjuwaK’Ugbokpo, Chief Elisha Amali, all showered encomium on Chief Ojema for his outstanding performance so far, saying no good Coach would change his Winning Team.
They urged Hon Ojema to continue with his good work, assuring him of their total support always.
Giving more clarification on the controversial issue of Zoning Agreement between Apa and Agatu while speaking on behalf of the people of Agatu, the immediate past Benue State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon Michael Inalegwu, debunked the existence of any Zoning Agreement between the two LGAs.
“The issue of Zoning Agreement between Apa and Agatu came up at Sen David Mark’s residence in Otukpo in 2011 but both late Solomon Agidani, Hon Ademu Entonu, others kicked against it and the issue was thrown to the dustbin”, Hon Inalegwu said.
Giving details of the so called Zoning Agreement in the Federal Constituency, Former Caretaker Chairman of Agatu LGA and a Chieftain of PDP, Hon Yusuf Ogbole (aka D-Boss) said, there was an attempt by PDP to reach Zoning Agreement in 2011 but was punctured as most party leaders kicked against it.
“I was the Secretary of the Committee that was set up by PDP to propose a Zoning formula for the Federal Constituency. The Committee was headed by Bishop Achigili but was later replaced by Real. Adm Sule Ehamwo due to his health challenges. The committee recommended a Zoning Agreement but PDP leaders refused to ratify it. This was why the zoning issue died on arrival”, Hon Ogbole said.
In his concise and precise speech, elder statesman, Mr Fodio Achegbani said, Hon Ojotu Ojema has performed extremely well, deserves 2nd term and will be there, urging PDP to reconcile its differences if there is any.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in Ward Working Committees members, the ALGON Chairman of Agatu LGA and PDP Chairman of Ogwule-Kaduna Ward, Hon Umar Saidu, thanked PDP for giving them the opportunity to serve the party, promising not to let the party down.
In their separate Vote of Thanks, PDP Chairman of Apa LGA, Hon Abel Aboje and that of Agatu LGA, Hon Sunday Oteyi, appreciated Chief Ojema for singlehandedly sponsoring the party in both Apa and Agatu LGAs, assuring him of unalloyed support of the party.
Highlights of the well attended Caucus meeting were the Vote of Confidence on Hon Ojema for his Landmark Achievements in one and half year in office and the inauguration of the new Working Committees of the 21 wards in the Federal Constituency by Barr Ada Oche.
Olikita Ekani
Media Aide to House of Reps Member
Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency
March 29, 2025