Screengrab: PNM General Secretary Foster Cummings, left, shaking hands with the newest member of the PNM, former UNC senator Obika Taharqa with the party’s Education Officer Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing
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Rowley Calls UNC Members to Come Over to PNM

June 16, 2023
AZP Staff 1
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By Prior Beharry

POLITICAL Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Dr Keith Rowley is calling United National Congress (UNC) members to come over to his party.

He made the call via a Facebook post on Friday, minutes after it was revealed that former UNC senator Taharqa Obika went over to the PNM.

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Obika was flanked by PNM’s General Secretary Foster Cummings and Education Officer Laurel Lezama-Lee Singh at the party’s central regional office at the corner of Chrisse Terrance and the Southern Main Road in Chaguanas.

The PNM had initially called a press conference at this same venue for 1 pm, but it was cancelled. The announcement was carried live on social media.

Obika signed his application form and Cummings who also affixed his signature said he would recommend him to become the newest member of the PNM.

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Both men shook hands and Lezama-Lee Singh then pinned a Balisier pin onto Obika’s jacket.

Obika said there was a number of pull factors in wanting to become a PNM member while there were push factors causing him to leave the UNC.

He said, “They are push factors from whence I came and there’s much to repel, but specifically a case in point is just today, statements made about the deceased (former PNM MP and minister) Ken Valley by Senator (David) Nakhid, but I won’t dwell on that.

“I’ll focus on the future. I just turned 40 years and as many persons do when they turn that milestone age – reflect, and reflect on my service to my country and being serious about governance because serious governance lies in making decisions that are in the best interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

“And for that, I am thankful for the opportunity once more by the political leader of the PNM Dr Keith Rowley for this opportunity. I thank you very much.”

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Cummings assured Obika that he would find a space in the PNM.

And Dr Rowley posted on his personal Facebook account a piece titled: AN OPEN INVITATION TO FORMER UNC MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS

He said, “There comes a time when your country must call. There is no better time than now, to leave the UNC, if you believe that what Nakhid did is reprehensible, if you believe that Ratiram should not be in Parliament and far worse should not be on the screening Committee of your party.
“If you believe that what you envision for your country does not include Lifesport and the vulgarity of Anil Roberts.
“If you believe that your Leader must not hope to qualify to lead you by lying about State policy on taxes.
“f you are disgusted by your party being silent on the scandal that just unfolded and was confirmed in a Miami Courthouse yet the perpetrators find solace and active support in the voice of the UNC leadership and more and more and more!
“It matters not what journey we took but what matters now is that we arrive at the desired destination and that is station Trinidad and Tobago on platform Number One.”
Obika reigned from the UNC and as chief economist in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.

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One thought on “Rowley Calls UNC Members to Come Over to PNM”

  1. Was Obika the proverbial traitor on board the UNC shop. Or did he jump ship for 30 pieces of silver. March 2021 he was screaming at the PNM Government to open TT borders to allow his Ghanian born wife and children to come back into TT. What has changed ? Is it greed or selfishness

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