Reforming Nigeria must begin with PDP – Jonathan

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that if the present reform moves by the government must be achieved, there was need for the reforms to begin with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, just as he called for the democratization of the country’s decision making process.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day retreat for the President, Governors and National Assembly members elected on the platform of the PDP, President Jonathan also called on State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct free, fair and credible elections when such polls were due at the local government levels, adding, ‘’only in fair procedures and delivery of services is winning of elections guaranteed. The development of our community and nation. begins with our electing men and women of outstanding integrity and credibility whose mission is to offer selfless service.”

The two-day retreat which is holding at the International Conference Centre ICC, Abuja is being organised by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in collaboration with Peoples Democratic Institute, PDI with the theme, ‘’ Legislative and Executive Branch Collaboration: A synergy for National Transformation”

The President who stressed the need for the strengthening of political parties and the need for party members to be disciplined, loyal as well as subject themselves to the dictates and leadership of the party, said, ‘’we must build and strengthen our political parties so that the institutions of democracy can constantly produce such individuals who can defend our party and our Country.

‘’Loyalty, internal democracy and party discipline are some essential elements in this mission. It is therefore imperative that as members of our party we must strive to subject ourselves to the guidance of its leadership.

The message is that despite the free-handedness of democracy, there are basic rules of conduct and behaviour that regulates the actions of members of every political party so as to ensure cohesion and achieving a common purpose for the good of all. We will reform to enable us achieve our objective.

‘’Therefore, the reforms to transform the polity must begin at home. We must all work together to subject our party to the much needed Reform so that it can position itself for the great task ahead. We must democratize our decision making process so that party decisions will be easier to enforce. We must consult more, build consensus and take decisions that is in the best interest of our country and our party. I charge you all not only to support the reforms but to also ensure their implementation at all levels.”(Vanguard)