Anti-party activities: PDP suspends Fayose, Anyim, two others

Obiora Ifoh, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has referred the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities.

The party also approved the suspension of some of its leaders including former Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, former Senate President, Sen. Pius Anyim, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (Benue State) and Dr. Aslam Aliyu (Zamfara State) from the party

The party said it took the decision  after very extensive review of its affairs and in pursuant to the provisions of its Constitution (as amended in 2017).

The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba in a statement on Thursday said the party urges all its leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members across the country to remain united and focused at this critical time.

Meanwhile, Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said his Benue State counterpart, Dr. Samuel Ortom will not appear before National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

The governor, has also described the suspension of former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and others for anti-party activities by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP as a nullity.

The governor stated these in Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday while reacting to NWC’s decision to refer Governor Ortom to the party’s disciplinary committee and suspension of Fayose and others.

This was contained in a statement by Kelvin Ebiri,

Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State governor.

It read in part: “I want to state clearly and let members of the party and Nigerians hear it clearly, the National Working Committee made up of Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who they say is the chairman of the party; Sam Anyanwu, the national secretary and other members of NWC, cannot suspend Ayo Fayose, not to talk about referring governor Ortom to the national disciplinary committee.”

Wike explained that the decision of the NWC to refer Dr. Ortom to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee is the height of all insult.

“Referring a governor to your so called national disciplinary committee is the height of all insult, and we will not take it. Therefore, be ready for whatever you see as far as this our party is concern.”

He stated emphatically that the Benue State governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom will not appear before the PDP National Disciplinary Committee.

“Governor Ortom, who has stood firm for the unity of this country, come out openly to say that Nigeria must be one is not the type you will say you’ll refer to that your kangaroo committee.”

He said if anyone deserves to be suspended from the party, that person is Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who he accused of contravening the PDP constitution on the zoning of elective and appointive offices.

“If there is any person deserving suspension it should be you (Ayu), who played anti party by refusing to obey the constitution of the party on zoning of  political offices as is required. So, whoever tells you can suspend people, please tell the person that he is not serious.”

He further added, “if you are talking of anti-party, it is you who could not even deliver your unit, deliver your ward that is involved. Because of the fraudulent activities you are involved in, people have lost hope in you. That is why you cannot win your unit, win your ward.”

Wike cautioned Ayu and the NWC to desist from threatening the G-5 governors and members of the Integrity Group with suspension.

According to him, Ayu has by his recent action opened up a new chapter of political war in the party.

“You cannot cage any of us. Ortom will not appear before any of your so called disciplinary committee. Ayodele Fayose will also never appear before any disciplinary committee.”