The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has addressed the suspension of the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, by the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, declaring that they do not have the power to do so.
Wike, reacting to the decision of the PDP leaders, in a press conference on Thursday, over the alleged anti-party activities of the two chieftains and others, also insisted that they do not have the capacity to recommend the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom to a disciplinary committee.
Premium Politics had reported easier on Thursday that the PDP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced the suspension of Fayose, a former Senate President/Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim and others.
Ortom of Benue state was also referred to its Disciplinary Committee for alleged anti-party activities.
Wike argued that the party’s NWC does not have the power to take such actions, stating that the Benue governor “will not appear before any so-called disciplinary committee.”
Naija News reported that he said, rather, it was the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, that should be suspended for refusing to obey the constitution of the party on the zoning of political positions.
He said, “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.
“Referring a governor to your so-called national disciplinary committee is the height of all insult, and we will not take it. Therefore, be ready for whatever you see as far as this party is concerned.
“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 your 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 the zoning of political offices as is required. So, whoever tells you can suspend people, please tell the person that he is not serious.
“if you are talking of anti-party it is you who could not even deliver your unit, deliver your ward that is involved. 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.
“You cannot cage any of us. Ortom will not appear before any of your so-called disciplinary committees. Ayodele Fayose will also never appear before any disciplinary committee.”
