TheCable

Uche Secondus, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says preparations for the 2023 general election will amount to nothing if the country’s security challenges are not addressed.

Secondus advised President Muhammadu Buhari to convene a national dialogue to discuss the rising insecurity in the country.

The PDP chairman gave the advice at the emergency meeting of the party’s national executive committee (NEC) on Thursday, in Abuja.

Secondus said the meeting was called to enable the party to add its voice to the worrisome situation with a view to saving the country.

He said the insecurity in the country is becoming worrisome and should be promptly addressed.

“For us as opposition, any sacrifice to stop the endless bloodletting of innocent citizens should be activated,” Secondus said.

“This includes, but not limited to, an immediate convocation of a national conference on security for comprehensive and all-embracing deliberation on the future of this country.

“All the noise for 2023 will amount to nought if the security challenges are not drastically addressed.

“I, therefore, invite NEC to note on this very critical matter with a view to offering the necessary advice to the governments at all levels for prompt solution.

“This has become necessary as nothing, not even 2023, is realistic if security issues are not adequately addressed.”

Secondus said the meeting was also to enable the party to meet up with some statutory matters as it relates to the Anambra governorship election.

In his remarks, Ndudi Elumelu, minority leader of the house of representatives, said Nigerians are looking up to the PDP for a way out of insecurity.

Elumelu commended PDP leaders for unity, expressing confidence that the party will take back the reins of power at the centre and in most states of the federation, come 2023.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi state, also advised Buhari to work with governments at all levels and other stakeholders to address insecurity.

“The president has to work with the governors; he has to work with the local government chairmen; he has to work with the traditional institutions; he has to work with the civil society. We need information,” Mohammed said.

He also pledged the commitment of PDP governors to continue to ensure good governance and work together to restore peace in the country.