ACHO ORABUCHI

Dallas, Texas

Wednesday, August 4, 2004

Peoples Democratic party (PDP), USA chapter, is embroiled in crisis. In this interview with ACHO ORABUCHI, the publicity secretary of the chapter, Sir Ike Ginigeme, spoke extensively on issues surrounding the impasse. Sir Ginigeme, from Nzerem in Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State was former secretary of the Igbo Community association of Nigeria in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas and one-time member of the Board of the World Igbo Congress. He is currently the financial secretary, Pan-Ndi-Igbo foundation, USA. He holds a Bachelors degree in computer science and a masters in finance from Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas. Excerpts.

There were three successive meetings of Chapter Executive Committee a few weeks ago. Who called these meetings?

We have a body that oversees the running of this political party. It is called Chapter Executive Committee (CEC). Generally, the CEC is saddled with the task of ensuring that the goals of the party are not sidelined in any way. The chairman, the secretary, publicity secretary and other key members make up this committee. Those meetings were called for by two thirds of the CEC members.

Were these meetings constitutional?

At the formation of this party, we set out to lay a solid foundation by drafting a constitution. We are fully aware of what we want, and we also know how to get there. We had more than 50 stakeholders in support of the CEC. And at any time we find more than two-thirds of CEC membership in support of any meeting, it is deemed to be constitutionally binding on all members to attend such meeting.

Why were these meetings called?

It was to ensure that we work according to our own laid-down tenets. CEC has a right to bring any erring member back into place. We are striving to avoid distractions as much as possible, while maximizing our influence on the country as well as the incumbent and would-be leaders.

What resolutions did you adopt at these meetings?

The Chairman of PDP USA, Tex Wariboko and the Secretary, Dr. Stanley Onye were in breach of some PDP constitutional provisions, hence charges of financial impropriety, among others, were brought against them on May 22, 2004. Vote of no confidence was passed on them. Wariboko called the June 19,2004 meeting in Atlanta after a notice of the 26 June meeting was sent. He called that unconstitutional meeting to undermine the June 26 meeting. On June 26, 2004, Mr. Wariboko and Dr. Onye were conspicuously absent from the CEC meeting in Elizabeth, New Jersey, upon which they were temporarily relieved of their duties.

PDP USA appears to have two factions. Why is this so?

I want not agree that PDP USA has two factions or any factions per se. I would be see it as a case of misplaced priority by persons vested with authority within the party. We have a committee that is looking into the accusations leveled against the Chairman and the Secretary. There were genuine reasons to call them to order.

The Wariboko faction contends that the meeting you held on June 26, 2004 in new Jersey was unconstitutional. What is your reaction to that?

What would qualify for a constitutional meeting? On June 26, 2004, we had in attendance, a membership that cut across the 50 states of USA we could boast of more than two-thirds of the house. The so-called Wariboko faction had a meeting with far too fewer members Cast your dice!

Also, the Wriboko faction is claiming that Prince Vincent Ogbulafor is supporting them. Is that true?

The question is not who is in support of what. We have a constitution that allows each member to be checked against certain rules that PDP, USA holds so dear. Whatever CEC does not endorse, must be discarded. PDP USA is incorporated in USA and is also subject to USA laws. Prince Ogbulafor is a well-respected man and a politician, but our rules are there.

Do you expect the party leadership in Abuja to intervene in this crisis?

We have gone beyond this crisis. We cannot afford to be stalled by actions or inactions of one or two members of our party. Once the committee investigating the allegations comes out with a verdict, we will proceed with legal actions to recover that which belongs to the PDP USA Chapter. Tex Wariboko is a lawyer and he knows how the legal system in the United States works.

How do you expect the crisis to be resolved?

It has been resolved. New leaders have since assumed their active posts. We are strongly moving ahead.

What is the position of Abuja on your crisis?

I told you that Abuja does not need to come into this matter. It had long been resolved.

People in Nigeria are looking up to you in the diaspora to help solve some of the problems in Nigeria. The crisis in PDP USA Chapter may be a big disappointment to many people. What would you tell these people?

In all spheres of life, there are challenges. In growing, you must learn to deal with crisis. It is indeed a sign of maturity to weather the storms in any organization. For it is only then that growth can really be achieved. PDP USA is fast gaining momentum across North America and their est of the world. We are bund to affect lives in many more ways than one. In handling this crisis, we have mastered the art of administering justice and fairness, a first, to ourselves and then to others. Hence, we are set to make great strides in other areas of life; so long as it impacts on every citizen of our great country

What specifically has been done to resolve the crisis?

The Deputy Chairman, Felicia Mbanaja-Hadjesmaili has become the acting Chairman of PDP USA while Chief Eddie Nwosu has been performing as the acting General Secretary of the Party. And the PDP USA is one party, having the capacity to approve important and necessary committees to accommodate stakeholders and the grassroots.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

PDP USA is not divided. We hold our tenets so dear to our hearts that any stringent actions necessary to correct an erring member(s) will not be delayed. We have widespread goals and are people-oriented.

We have strong bias for changing the face of governance in our nation. We not only preach accountability, but practice same. We want to ensure that prosperity is given its rightful place in our polity. Watch out for our next CEC meeting on September 11, 2004 in Washington, DC.

Simply surprise yourself yonder