How we were lured into suspending Ayu, says ward exco member 

The last may not have been heard about the suspension saga of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, as a member of his Igyoruv Ward Executive Council of the party, who spoke to The Guardian in an exclusive interview, but would not want his name in print, narrated how the Philip Msughve-led exco was allegedly lured into bringing him down from the lofty position.

The Guardian learnt that the exco was invited to the state secretariat of the party in Makurdi for post election report of the ward during the governorship and state Assembly elections.

Our sources said they were informed that the report would enable the party file their petition at the election petition tribunal.

After giving the information, they were driven to a hotel within Makurdi metropolis where journalists were waiting.

Then they were allegedly given already prepared statement to read to journalists by the Benue State PDP Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom.

The Guardian further gathered that after the ward secretary had read the statement, they were made to sign the document after which their mobile phones were seized and switched off.

Our source also informed that the names of some exco members were wrongly spelt and even signed before the document was presented to those available for signing.

Our source further said that after keeping them away from the public for several days, they were asked to go back to their homes with N1 million each sent into their bank accounts, as well as one motorcycle for each member of the exco.

When The Guardian contacted the Benue State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Iortyom, he said: “You should bring the person who made these allegations. That is a definite allegation against my person. If the person doesn’t come forth, I will not speak on the matter.”