By Paulinus Ogbonna
Ishiagu (Ebonyi), Chief Boniface Igwe, a chieftain of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has organised a thank-you party for members and supporters of the party in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State with a call for unity among the faithful.
The celebration, which brought together a large number of party faithful, was held on Saturday at Ishiagu for members of the party from Amaeze ward in Ivo LGA of Ebonyi.
Igwe, addressing the crowd, said that the thank-you celebration, which coincided with the 'Ikeji' New Yam Festival of the Ishiagu Community, was symbolic and enjoined the party faithful not to relent in their support for the PDP in Ivo and Nigeria at large.
Igwe, an ardent supporter of Chief IfeanyiChukwuma Odi, the Ebonyi State governorship candidate of the party in the 2023 general election noted that the event was organised to celebrate the PDP members for their strong support for the party's candidate during the election.
He praised Odi and described him as a man of impeccable character who possessed all it required to steer the state to economic and socio-political greatness.
The party chieftain advised party faithful not to lose faith in the party saying that PDP was being strengthened and repositioned to take back power in 2027.
"We are here today to say thank you for your unflinching support for the party during the 2023 general elections, especially during the gubernatorial election.
"This event has been planned to be held earlier than now, but because of the post-election court litigations and our resolve to reclaim our stolen mandate through the courts.
"However, we decided to use the occasion of the Ikeji festival which marks the New Yam Festival for our community as well as the beginning of a new year for the Ishiagu people to come and say thank you for your support during the election.
"We are here not to campaign or talk about politics; we want to assure you that our principal, Chief IfeanyiChukwuma Odi, is remembering all of you, and in due course, he will be here in person to say thank you.
"Do not feel discouraged by what is happening in the country, but be assured that our party, PDP, will bounce back and restore the country's economy and once again put smiles on the lips of Nigerians," Igwe said.
The PDP stalwart explained that he was motivated to organise the event to create more bonds of unity, love and oneness among the party faithful, adding that he was following the footsteps of AnyiChuks, whom he described as a consummate philanthropist.
Meanwhile, Chief Emmanuel Ukah, one-time Coordinator of Echiele Development Centre in Ivo LGA and a chieftain of PDP, expressed gratitude to Igwe for feting the party faithful and assured that PDP remained the party for people.
"We will remain in PDP and we are not going to be discouraged by this temporary setback; PDP will surely bounce back to power and provide good governance to the people of Nigeria," he said.
Other speakers at the event thanked the organiser of the event and pledged their continued support, loyalty and commitment to the party and the governorship ambition of AnyiChuks.
