>
Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has accused a chieftain of the party and former chairman,Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) , Terzungwe Atser, for threatening some of the Igyorov ward executive that suspended the national chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
Recall that 13 out of the 17 Igyorov ward executive signed the suspension letter of Ayu, who was later ordered by a high court to stop parading himself as the party’s national chairman.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the state publicity secretary of the party, Bemgba Iortyom, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, the state capital, Benue PDP alleged that Atser had been threatening those who signed the suspension letter.
“Terzungwe Atser, a former Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) is believed to be aggrieved by the role of the said Igyorov ward executive following their suspension of National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s membership of the party on allegations of anti-party activities.
“Benue PDP states that the crisis which has been lingering in the national leadership of the party for some time now is most unfortunate and does not bode well for its growth going forward from the regrettable outcome of the 2023 elections
“We, however, believe in the party’s well-tested mechanisms for resolving its internal disputes, being they are all civil and in line with its charter and character as a law-governed democratic institution.
“The emergence of Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as Acting National Chairman of the party following the exit of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu from the office attests to its proven ability to amicably resolve matters without resort to violence of whatever kind as an option.
“We, therefore, caution Terzungwe Atser to desist from threatening any official or member of the party as to do so is not only a breach of the PDP constitution but also amounts to criminality which is punishable under Nigerian law.
“PDP values its officials and members alike and will do everything within its powers to protect and defend them from both internal and external aggression, intimidation and harassment,” Iortyom said.
But Atser described the allegations against him as “untrue.”
In a terse statement, Atser said: “The allegation is not true. I am a peaceful person and I always preach peace; so I cannot be seen to be involved in such.”
