… Consider New Date for NEC Meeting
By John Alechenu
Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken decisive action to address the party’s leadership crisis.
They have nullified the recent suspensions and counter-suspensions issued by conflicting factions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and instructed the warring acting chairmen to revert to their previous positions until a permanent resolution can be achieved.
Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, announced this decision at the conclusion of a two-day meeting yesterday.
The turmoil began when the NWC, led by Amb. Umar Damagum, suspended the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, for alleged abuse of office and insubordination.
In retaliation, Ologunagba and Ajibade declared the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, citing their involvement in anti-party activities and the political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The situation escalated further when the Ologunagba faction announced the appointment of Yayari Mohammed as Damagum’s replacement as National Treasurer.
Temporary Truce
However, Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, addressed the media in Abuja and explained that the decision to broker a truce was made after consultations with representatives from the NWC, the party’s National Assembly Caucus, and the Board of Trustees (BoT).
He stated: “On behalf of the PDP Governors Forum, the Chairman of the Senate Caucus, and the representative of the BoT, I want to inform you that we held a family meeting, and we wish to reaffirm that there is no faction in the PDP.
“All the suspensions you have heard about have been resolved by the Governors, the NWC, the National Assembly Caucus, and the BoT.”
“There is no faction; everything has reverted to the status quo under acting Chairman Damagum, pending the time when the governors and other party organs will convene to resolve all issues.
“No party is without problems. Some of these issues are legal, and we do not want to preempt the outcome of any legal proceedings.
New Date for NEC Meeting
When asked whether the October 24 date for the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting would still stand, Governor Mohammed replied: “The governors, BoT, and NWC will meet to discuss the significance of the October 24 NEC meeting.”
Damagum Welcomes Move, Yayari Silent
Speaking to reporters at the Departure Lounge of the private wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after the second leg of the meeting, Damagum expressed his support for the recent developments.
He stated: “There is no crisis in the party as far as I am concerned, but some individuals want to exploit the situation. I urge the press not to escalate matters, even where there is no crisis.
“As I see it, the governors are our leaders and key organs of this party. When they speak, we must consider their views holistically and abide by them.”
When asked about his colleagues, National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, Damagum remarked, “Have they left? They are still in the party.”
Efforts to reach Yayari Mohammed and Ologunagba for comments on the situation were unsuccessful at press time.