SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY SULLIVAN IHEANACHO CHIME, GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE SULLIVAN CHIME SOLIDARITY RALLY HELD AT THE MICHAEL OKPARA SQUARE, ENUGU, ON 1ST FEBRUARY, 2008

I am profoundly overwhelmed by this demonstration of support by the people of Enugu State.

I see this gesture not just as a re-affirmation of your mandate, but a vote of confidence on our activities so far.

When I look up and see this sea of heads who have converged to show solidarity to us and the government of Enugu State, I am left with no option than to conclude that this mandate must be safeguarded and defended for the people of Enugu State.

Your concern and worries following events of the past few weeks in Enugu are natural, but be assured that there is no cause for alarm.

We shall weather the storm and consign the distraction to the dust bin of history.

Let me assure you that this solidarity is not misplaced, for government will redouble efforts in its commitment to change the face of Enugu State through massive urban and rural development.

Our development initiatives are fully on course and there can be no doubt about our determination to sustain the tempo for the benefit of our people.

In the 2008 Budget estimate, now awaiting passage by the Enugu State House of Assembly we tried as much as possible to make provisions that will positively touch the lives of our people. The budget when approved will be implemented to the letter.

I therefore enjoin you the good people of Enugu State to keep faith with the government, because this government has come to effect necessary changes through transparent administration.

The work before us is big but your support and encouragement is like an elixir, a tonic that is recharging our determination and resolve to serve you better.

Let me say here that our government is rock solid. We are not only in power but we are effectively in charge.

Anything on the contrary is only but a rumour by mischief makers and enemies of our State.

Their only worry is the refreshing change we have brought to governance and the happiness in the faces of our people.

Let me use this opportunity to thank the people of Enugu State for this unprecedented support.

Our gratitude also goes to our brothers and sisters in the Enugu State House of Assembly for their cooperation and collaboration with us in our effort to develop our State.

We also thank in a special way our National Assembly members who have supported us every step of the way.

To our elders and indeed all our brothers and sisters who have come from far flung places to identify with us I say may God in his infinite mercy bless you all.

Indeed I am humbled by what I see here today and I make this solemn promise that we will never betray the trust and confidence you have reposed in us.

Let me, at this juncture remind our members that if we must adhere to due process and the rule of law, we must respect the Constitution of our great party, the PDP in all its ramifications.  Therefore, I urge you to continue to recognize and respect the supremacy of the party over any other body.

Article 3 of our constitution says and I quote: “The motto of  Party shall be JUSTICE, UNITY and PROGRESS and the slogan of the party shall be PDP POWER TO THE PEOPLE.”

Similarly, in Article 21 which deals with offences and punishment, the constitution prescribes and I quote:  “Subject to the provisions o this constitution, the party shall have power to discipline any member who… promotes factions or belongs to any group under the guise of the party and by whatever name called, not being one provided for in this constitution.”

It further warns that it will sanction; any member who and I quote “organizes, retains, trains, equips or encourages the organization, retention, training, equipping of any member or group of members for the purpose of employing violence or coercion or any form of intimidation whatsoever.”

In this regard, I encourage all of you to see the illegality of any behaviour or association not in tandem with the provisions of our party’s constitution.  Otherwise, the full weight of the law will be brought to bear.

Thank you and God bless.