Chairman of the Ward Congress Committee for Abia State, Hon Israel Sonny Goli, has hailed the exercise, saying it was successful.
He commended members for their impressive turnout and peaceful participation in the ward congress that took place at the weekend across the 184 wards of the State.
Goli spoke with reporters in Umuahia at the end of the exercise which was characterised by long queues of party faithful.
Goli had led the other six members of the committee, including the secretary, Hon Muktar Bajeh, to monitor the congress in a number of wards to ensure the exercise was conducted according to laid down procedures.
At every ward visited, he emphasised the importance of the congress and urged the electoral officers of the party “to ensure that the right things are done” as the ward congress is the foundation of the party.”
He dismissed insinuations a parallel congress was held in Abia, saying the exercise was “all inclusive”.
Goli said it was not unusual for people to attempt to discredit a competitive process if they failed to have it go their way, adding that the committee did not exclude anybody from participating in the congress.
Goli, who represents Brass/Nembe Federal constituency of Bayelsa, stated his committee was not interested in anybody that decided not to participate in the congress having made it clear that no member was excluded.
Secretary of the congress committee, Hon Bajeh, also expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the ward congress in Abia, noting the faithful have expressed their desire to build a party capable of taking control of Abia.
Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha, who voted at her Ezingodo ward in Isuochi, said the exercise was peaceful and democratic.
