The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a worrisome dimension on Saturday, as the South-South Zonal Executive Committee of the party, suspended the Zonal Secretary, Felix Omemu, for one month over alleged misconduct.
In his reaction, Omemu, in a statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, stated that the meeting called by Chief Dan Orbih was illegal, stressing that in line with the PDP constitution, the zonal executive council meeting could only be held with the approval of the zonal working committee.
Omemu disclosed that there was no such time, that the zonal working committee deliberated and agreed to convene a meeting of the zonal executive council.
At the South South Zonal Executive Committee meeting in Benin, Edo State, Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the River State House of Assembly, moved the motion for the suspension of Omemu.
The motion was seconded by Rep. Godwin Offiono, the member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency of Cross River State .
Amaewhule accused Omemu, of misconduct, breach of trust, and fostering division among members.
He said the suspension was due to unauthorised statements made in the media by Omemu, advising members to boycott the meeting.
“Chief Felix Omemu must be suspended and a disciplinary committee set up to investigate the zonal secretary,” Amaewhule said.
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He described the Omemu’s action as illegal, and an attempt to cause disunity and dissuade members from attending the meeting in Benin.
Following the suspension, the PDP Zonal Legal Adviser, George Turnah, was appointed as acting zonal secretary.
The PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, lauded the zonal executive committee for the suspension, saying the move is a right step in the right direction aimed at repositioning the party, and curbing the excesses of some leaders, and members of the party to cause disunity among members.
The Benin meeting was attended by the zonal chairman, senators, and House of Representatives members, drawn from the five states in the South-South, except delegates from Akwa Ibom State.
