Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has wielded the big stick against some party members for alleged anti-party activities.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, on Friday night, PDP also announced the dissolution of the Ekiti State Executive Committee and the setting up of a caretaker committee to oversee the day-to-day running of party’s affairs in the state.
“After a very extensive review and consideration of the affairs of our Party in the country, pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) approved the suspension of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu State) and Chief Chris Ogbu (Imo State) with effect from today, Friday, January 20, 2023, over allegations of anti-party activities.
“In the same vein, the NWC has approved the suspension of the underlisted Party members in Ekiti State also with effect from today, Friday, January 20, 2023, over allegations of anti-party activities
“The suspended members in Ekiti State are;
1. Ayeni Funso- Ekiti North
2. Ajijola Lateef Oladimeji- Ekiti Central
Others are;
1. Emiola Adenike Jennifer- Ekiti South II
2. Ajayi Babatunde Samuel- Ekiti North II
3. Olayinka James Olalere- Ekiti Central
4. Akerele Oluyinka- Ekiti North I
5. Fayose Oluwajomiloju John- Ekiti Central I
“The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party across the country to remain united and focused on the mission of our Party to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from misrule,” the statement read.
In a related development, Ologunagba in a separate statement said: “Following the recent developments in the Ekiti State Chapter of our great Party, the NWC after careful deliberations and extensive consultations, on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and pursuant to Sections 29(2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), has dissolved the PDP Ekiti State Executive Committee with immediate effect.
“In its place, the NWC, on behalf of NEC has approved the appointment of Ekiti State Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Party in the State for a period of three (3) months effective from today Friday, January 20, 2023, and to function pursuant to Section 24(2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
“The NWC also approved the appointment of Arch. Sadiq Obanoyen as Chairman of the PDP Ekiti State Caretaker Committee.
“The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Ekiti State to remain united and focused on the task ahead.”
Nnamani breaks silence on suspension
Former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, has appealed to his supporters to remain calm, following his suspension by the PDP NWC.
Reacting to the development in a series of tweets in the early hours of Saturday, Nnamani, who represents Enugu East in the Senate on PDP’s platform, has been campaigning for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
He wrote: “Earlier tonight, the National Publicity Secretaty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP, suspending me from the party.
“I have since been inundated with telephone calls and messages from various persons, seeking my clarification on the matter.
“Just like every other person, the decision and announcement of my purported suspension from the PDP came to me as a rude shock and huge surprise.
“I was never at anytime notified of any petition or complaint against me or informed of the grounds that formed the decision of the NWC of the PDP to suspend me from the party.
“I was not also invited to any meeting, proceeding or hearing of the NWC of the party where my supposed offence (s) was/were discussed. I was therefore, not afforded the opportunity to make representations on my behalf at any meeting where the proposal and decision to suspend me from the party was made. My right to fair hearing was consequently violated against the clear provisions of the Constitution of the party, especially in disciplinary proceedings. More importantly the Superior Constitution of the FRN.
“I therefore, appeal to all of you to remain calm and law abiding, while we continue our campaign to a hopefully victorious conclusion.”
