Governor Nyesom Wike has flayed the decision of the National Working Committee of the PDP to invite the outgoing Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom to face a national disciplinary panel. Ortom is being accused of engaging in anti-party activities.
Wike who reacted in Port Harcourt said the move by the NWC to compel Ortom to appear before the National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party amounted to an insult.
G5 Governors standing together at the flag off of Governor Seyi Makinde’s second tenure campaign in Ibadan, Oyo State.He also referred to the suspension of the former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and others for anti-party activities by the National Working Committee of the PDP as a complete nullity.
Ex- Governor Ayodele Fayose, frontline member of G5“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”, the Rivers Governor declared.
“Referring a governor to your so called national disciplinary committee”, Wike observed, “is the height of all insult, and we will not take it.
“Be ready for whatever you see as far as our party is concerned”, Governor Wike warned the leadership of the PDP.
The prominent leader of the G5 insisted, “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 kangaroo committee.”
“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 noted, “if you are talking of anti-party it is you who could not even deliver your unit, deliver your ward that is involved.”
According to him, “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.”
Governor Wike cautioned Ayu and the NWC to desist from threatening the G-5 governors and members of the Integrity Group with suspension.
As he put it, Ayu has by his recent action opened a new chapter of political battles within 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.”
The defeated candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar had vowed that he would deal with Wike and others if he wins.
Somehow, mother luck did not smile on Atiku. But it would appear that the plot to deal with members of the G5 has been put in motion.
Strangely, Fayose who announced his resignation from the PDP shortly after the presidential election is listed as one of those who will be facing disciplinary action.
This will only mean that his former party platform did not accept his decision to leave its ranks.
The implication, given what is gradually playing out, is the realisation that the PDP might be headed for another round of crisis which may further weaken its unity and tear it apart.