PDP NWC backs state in dismissing suspension of Orbih by Edo North chapter
National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind the decision of the Edo State chapter of the party in dismissing the reported suspension of the South South Vice Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih.
It would be recalled that the Edo North chapter of the PDP had last week issued a statement purportedly suspending Orbih along with over five other for alleged anti-party activities.
However, last Thursday, the state chapter leadership dismissed the suspension of Chief Orbih, along with the state Vice-Chairman, Edo North, Segun Saiki, and five council chairmen, describing it as ‘unacceptable, null and void.’
The PDP NWC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, Friday in Abuja, has also described the alleged suspension as a nullity.
The NWC said that it noted with serious concerns the pronouncements of certain members in the Edo chapter of the party.
It said that while the national leadership noted the issues and complaints raised by some stakeholders in Edo, it, however, enjoined the chapter to be guided by the provisions of the party`s constitution.
It urged them to be guided by the party constitution with regard to the imposition of sanctions on party officers at any level, stressing that the rules were clear and must be
adhered to.
“Consequently, the purported suspension of Orbih, a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our party, by the Edo North Senatorial leadership of the party is statutorily beyond its powers and to that effect a nullity.
“The NWC, however, assures (all) that it’s taking strong steps to ensure amicable resolution of all issues and ensure that the interests of all members in the chapter are protected,” Ologbondiyan said.
The NWC urged all members in Edo to remain united and focused, especially at the time that Nigerians were looking up to the party for direction ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The Edo Chapter of the PDP had, last Thursday, dismissed the alleged suspension of Orbih, state Vice-Chairman, Edo North, Segun Saiki, and five council chairmen of the party in the state.
A statement by Mr Chris Nehikhare, State Publicity Secretary of the party in Benin on Thursday described the purported suspensions as ‘unacceptable, null and void.’
Nehikhare said the party was constrained to react to the unacceptable and regrettable behaviour of some of its members in the last few hours.
According to him, the authors of the offensive news release or communiqué are trouble brewers sponsored by fifth columnists in what can only be described as a joke taken too far.
“It’s unacceptable, null and void. The unauthorised, illegal, unconstitutional and irresponsible sharing of social media post announcing suspensions of party officials is hereby condemned and denounced.
“Consequently, Nigerians, Edo people and especially PDP members and supporters are advised to ignore the post, press release or communiqué purporting that the National Vice Chairman, Chief Dan Osi Orbih and other elected officials of the party from Edo North Senatorial district have been suspended,” he said.
The state publicity secretary noted that the PDP in Edo was a peaceful, united and vibrant political party where dialogue was its watchword.
“We encourage political engagements and contestations which must be guided by the tenets of our constitution.
“We, however, frown at political indiscipline that brings disrepute to our brand.
“As a party in government, we must live and operate by example.
“We must abide by the rule of law and always be conscious of the message we send to the general public at all times.
“I appeal to our members across the state to remain calm and keep their eyes on the ball.
“Do not be distracted. EdoFirst. Edo Must Move Forward,” Nehikhare further said.