….As Anyanwu Explain Why Ologunagba, Ajibade Were Suspended
ABUJA – The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the warring factions in the party National Working Committee (NWC) to de-escalate tension and sheathe their swords.
This is even as the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu explained why the Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade were Suspended by the party.
The BoT, in a statement by its Chairman, Senator Adulphus Wabara said, “In the light of the ongoing internal crisis within the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to address the situation and provide clarity on the party’s stance.
“The BoT calls on all sides of the NWC to sheath their swords and de-escalate the tension. The warring persons must, in the overall interest of the party, revert to the status quo to preserve the unity and stability of our great party.
“We understand that disagreements may arise, but as a party with a long-standing tradition of internal democracy, we must not let these challenges derail our collective vision. The Board of Trustees will meet with the members of the NWC to intervene, foster reconciliation, and ensure that normalcy is restored in the NWC of our Great Party.
“We call on all party faithful and supporters to remain calm during this period. The PDP has an effective conflict resolution mechanism, and we are confident that the current issues will be addressed and resolved in a manner that strengthens the party.
“The BoT remains fully committed to its role of promoting peace, unity, and progress within the PDP.”
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Anyanwu disclosed that the duo were suspended because of allegation of abuse of office, insubordination and refusal to adhere to the directives of the NWC.
Anyanwu said: “The National Working Committee at its 593rd meeting of Thursday October 10, 2024 discussed the allegation of abuse of office, insubordination and refusal to adhere to the directives of the NWC, against the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN and the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba and approved that the two National Officers should be suspended from all NWC activities while the committee constituted to look into the allegation carry-on with a thorough investigation.
“The NWC came to this conclusion by voting and out of the twelve (12) members present, eight (8) voted in favour of the suspension while four (4) voted against.”
Also explaining why the duo were suspended, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary and the current Acting spokesman of the party, Ibrahim Abdullahi disclosed that they were suspended because of the role they played in Rivers politics.
Addressing newsmen, Abdullahi said: “A decision was taken by the party against the instructions given by my erstwhile colleague not take part in the local government elections in Rivers State. It was a collective decision. It has has happened in Kebbi, it has happened in Kastina. When there are issues like the ones in Rivers, the NWC has the power to say on account of the request of members of that State, let us suspend this election or let’s not take part in the election.
“But an individual went and authored a contrary statement that we should take part in the election. And the party felt that was not in the collective interest of the party for counter positions to be given.”
On the appointment of a new acting national chairman, “nobody will just wake up on the wrong side of their bed and to begin to churn out writing and expect enlightened members of the public to take it hook line and sinker.
“We are guided by rules of engagement. When the director was speaking she said at the 593 session, the NWC sat in a formal quorum suspending the duo.”
Referring to the alleged suspension of the party National Chairman by faction aligned with Ologunagba, Abdullahi said, “I wouldn’t know at what sitting, with what quorum, who are the dignitaries that have come with that kind of narrative.”
