Serious Crisis Looms In Edo PDP Over Suspension Of Ex-Deputy Governor, Other Chieftains

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Saturday, September 19th, 2015

By IGNATIUS OKPARA, Benin City

BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Another round of serious crisis in now looming in the Edo State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the suspension of a one-time deputy governor and former state vice chairman (Edo South) of the party, Chief Lucky Imasuen, and two other chieftains for alleged anti-party misconduct.

The two other suspended members are ex- Deputy Chairman, Hon. Christopher Adesotu and one time Organising Secretary of the party, Mr Richard Ehimagbi.

However, the affected members, have been directed to appear before a Disciplinary Committee of the Party next Monday, being September 21st, 2015.

Their appearance according to the party leadership in the state, is in accordance with the PDP constitution.

A press statement announcing their suspension which was signed by the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Nehikhare on friday in Benin city, said the decision was “In the spirit of rebirth and reorganization of the Party and in line with the solemn pledge to bequeath a responsible and responsive government to Edo people in 2016.”

The statement also hailed the Edo State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal for upholding the victory of Senators Matthew Uroghide (Edo South Senatorial District) and Clifford Ordia (Edo Central Senatorial District) in the March 28 senatorial election.

“The Party congratulates Senators Uroghide and Ordia on their victory at the Tribunal and restates its confidence in the Judiciary as the last bastion of hope for the citizens.

“Indeed, the outcome of the National Assembly election, which saw PDP winning two of the three senate seats and five of the nine House of Representatives seats is a clear indication that Edo people have rejected the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration.

“However, efforts by the PDP to replicate the same feat in the April 11 House of Assembly election were frustrated by many senior leaders and members of the party who turned themselves into political mercenaries”,

“They collected huge sums of money from the APC and its government to subvert the will of Edo people.”

“These leaders and members have not been able to account for the funds provided by the PDP for mobilization during the election.”

“The PDP particularly views as unfortunate a situation where a state vice chairman traded in his polling unit and ward to the APC without any feeling,”

The statement added: “The Party views as irresponsible his continued holding of secret night meetings with APC leaders in the Government House.”

As the PDP internal crisis rages in the area, a dependable Source close to the All Progressive Congress APC in the state, told AFRICAN EXAMINER on condition of anonymity that the suspended chieftains are already having serious discussion with the leadership of the ruling party on their defection any moment from now.