Secondus chides PDP lawmakers over constituency project funds diversion

...ticket for 2019 won't be on a platter of gold

Says no Federal lawmaker will get automatic ticket                         

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Uche Secondus has chided lawmakers on the platform of the party who has not carried out constituency briefing despite collecting monies for that purpose.

At a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with members of the party in the National Assembly, Secondus said boosting the party's popularity at the grassroots through constituency briefing and projects will "definitely count" for those seeking election either for their current or another office.

"It is disheartening that despite huge sums received by lawmakers as reflected in the budget, only few have been able to conduct constituency briefing in their various states.

"There are lawmakers who record shows, have collected huge sums in the name of their constituencies without any empowerment programmes"

He further stressed that party tickets ahead of 2019 will not be on a platter of gold, as it will be decided by the people because, in his words, "the restructured PDP has come to stay as a true  democratic party, adding that the actions and decisions of the party must reflect this policy".

Secondus stressed that political office holders have the major task of boosting the party's popularity, especially at the grassroots. He noted that while this will prepare the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Making reference to some lawmakers, the Rivers State born PDP lead man particularly acknowledged the efforts of Hon. (Mrs) Onyemaechi Mrakpor of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency Delta State and Senator Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, as well as few others from the North and Southwest states, whose "resounding" performances, he said, should be emulated by others.