By Eze Chidozie
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), took a new twist following the suspension of National Chairman of the party, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu by his Igyorov ward in Gboko local government area of Benue State over anti-party activities.
The development came few days after the National Working Committee, NWC, of PDP dragged the Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom before the national disciplinary committee of the party and suspended former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and erstwhile Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim among others.
Ayu’s suspension on Sunday followed a vote of no confidence passed on him by his ward.
In resolution passed at the end of their meeting which was read by the Secretary of Igyorov council ward, Mr Banger Dooyum, the party said,
“The Peoples Democratic Party Executive Committee of Igyorov council ward of Gboko local government area in Benue state has passed a vote of no confidence on the PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and suspended him from the party”.
“He (Ayu) was involved in anti- party activities making the PDP to lose at his ward and local government along with his allies who also didn’t vote at the Governorship Election”
The ward further accused Ayu of not paying his annual dues as enshrined by the party’s constitution.
Recall that shortly after the Benue State Governor was referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of the PDP for anti-party activities by NWC chaired by Ayu, the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, dared the national leadership of the PDP, declaring that his Benue State counterpart will not appear before the Committee.
Wike equally 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.
Wike, in the statement, said, “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 national disciplinary committee.”
Governor Wike explained that the decision of the NWC to refer governor Ortom to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee is the height of all insult.
He said, “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.”
Governor Wike stated emphatically that the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom will not appear before the PDP National Disciplinary Committee.
According to him, “Governor Ortom, who has stood firm for the unity of this country, governor Ortom who has 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.”
The Rivers State governor 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.
He added, “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 that you can suspend people, please tell the person that he is not serious”.
