PDP refutes suspension of South South chairman Orbih, others

Suspends Oredo ward 4 chairmen for anti-party activities

Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, dismissed the alleged suspension of National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Dan Orbih, state Vice-Chairman, Edo North, Segun Saiki, and five council chairmen of the party in the state.

A statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Chris Nehikhare, noted that the party was constrained to respond to the unacceptable and regrettable behaviour of some members in recent times.

He said purveyors of the communiqué were troublemakers, who were sponsored by fifth columnists in what could only be described as a joke taken too far.’

He said the alleged suspension of Orbih and other elected officials of the party was unacceptable, null and void.

“The unauthorised, illegal, unconstitutional and irresponsible announcement of the suspension of party officials on social media is hereby condemned and denounced.

“Consequently, Nigerians, Edo people, PDP members and supporters are advised to ignore the communiqué alleging that Orbih and other elected officials of the party from Edo North Senatorial District have been suspended.

“Edo PDP is a peaceful, united and vibrant political party which encourages dialogue. Our engagements must be guided by our constitution. We, however, frown on indiscipline that brings disrepute to our party,” he said.

Nehikhare, therefore, urged PDP members in the state to remain calm, keep their eyes on the ball and avoid distractions.

Leadership of the Edo North Senatorial District of party purportedly suspended Orbih from the party for anti-party activities after a vote of no confidence in him.

MEANWHILE, Chairman of PDP in Ward 4, Oredo Council (names withheld) has been suspended for alleged anti-party activities and replaced by Courage Uyi Ogiefa.

Assistant Financial Secretary, Aroko Thomas, said the suspended chairman was allegedly engaged in anti-party activities during and after the September 19, 2020 governorship election in the state.

He also accused him of impeding the progress of the party at the ward level.

Thomas alleged that the suspended chairman was also involved in shady financial dealings with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election amounting to N2.5 million.

“He has been frustrating the progress of the party in Ward 4. He has been frustrating the e-registration exercise and failed to provide information on the e-registration process. He also refused to register new members in the ward in spite of the party’s drive for new members,” he claimed.

Youth leader of the party in the ward, Osamede Obasuyi, moved a motion for his suspension, which was seconded by an ex-officio member, Mrs. Osasere Igbinovia. The motion was put to a voice vote, which was endorsed by members present at the meeting.