Peoples Democratic Party, PDP National Convention is scheduled to begin today, Saturday, May 21, in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
Already party stalwarts have began screening ahead of the convention.
Presently, hotel rates have gone up astronomically as rooms and conference halls at the Presidential Hotel, Viontel Hotel and other five star hotels are fully booked.
Much as the City of Port Harcourt is noted for opulence and sleek cars, the influx of the cream of the society has brought about economic prosperity to the state.
The food vendors have also besieged the State Secretariat of the PDP at Aba/Port Harcourt road, and other major streets, enjoying reasonable businesses. The water hawkers are also not left out of the brisk business.
Although the convention was rumoured to suffer a court injunction this did not deter party faithful from attending.
It also gave governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, the opportunity to showcase his achievements to the nation and fellow politicians.
A chartered accountant, Chief Chris Ozor, when interviewed, affirmed that the convention must have attracted over N750 million to the state.
Also a response from the police and the Federal Roads Safety Corps, FRSC, confirmed the readiness of security operatives for the event, stating that so far there had been no case of intra party clashes.
The screening of the acting national chairman of the party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff and others, gave the impression of the party’s ability to resolve its differences.
So far, what has been elusive is the governor’s press briefing, to confirm or otherwise, the possibility of the National Convention taking place today or not, as he had postponed the briefing twice.
The convention gives the governor the opportunity to prove to nation and the world at large that, Rivers State is safe, secure, and ready to welcome investors for gainful business.
Meanwhile, reconciliatory meetings were held ahead of the convention, following the decision of a splinter group to conduct its own convention, in Abuja.
Speaking to journalist, yesterday, acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, said efforts were being made to bring aggrieved parties to the table for discussion.
He spoke after he was screened at the Rivers State PDP Secretariat yesterday.
The Screening Committee had Hon. Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) , Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice as Chairman with former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha as member.
The committee also screened the Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.
Senator Sheriff said, “PDP is the only party that belongs to Nigerians and is owned by Nigerians. There is no sole owner of PDP. PDP is for you, PDP is for our brothers in the village, PDP is for the elder in Abuja, PDP is for everybody. Therefore, we will carry everyone along.”
He added, “The way forward is for everybody to be united. Anybody that is aggrieved, we will work towards getting our members on one page.
“We want a united house. In party politics, it is natural that all views must not be the same. As much as possible, we try to unite all views for everyone to have a sense of belonging.”
Chairman of the PDP National Convention Screening Committee, Hon. Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), said that the screening was done in line with the constitution of the party and that the exercise was thorough.
The committee also screened other aspirants into different offices of the National Working Committee, NWC.

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