The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on all members of the party and the general public to disregard the purported expulsion of the National Vice Chairman, Southeast zone, Chief Ali Odefa by some faceless group masquerading themselves as PDP executives of Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
In a statement signed by the State chairman Onyemaechi Nwele and his Secretary, Zaccheaus Ogbuefi, the Party said that the purported expulsion was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.
The statement explained that it is only the National Executive Committee of PDP is empowered by the party’s constitution to take any disciplinary action against any National Executive Committee member.
The PDP said that it was criminal for the self acclaimed Executives of Oguduokwor Ward to impersonate and carry out the hatchet job targeted to tarnish the Integrity of the Southeast National Vice Chairman of the party.
They also disclosed that the authors of the expulsion were already standing trials in court for criminal activities including impersonation of the ward executives.
According to the statement: “Section 57 (7) of the Constitution of the PDP is clear in providing that “Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly…”
“Also, Section 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in providing that “Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level except the National Executive Committee shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Ambassadors, Special Advisers or member of any of the Legislative Houses”.
The party therefore said that even if the ward executives of Oguduokwor Ward were valid and legitimate, they don’t also have the right to institute any disciplinary actions against the NVC.
PDP also passed vote of absolute confidence on Chief Odefa and urged him not to be distracted by the antics of some disgruntled elements who are bent to destroy his efforts in advancing the fortunes and prospects of the party in all the States of the Southeast.
The Party further warned all members to desist from being used to destabilize the party by desperate politicians who want to hijack the party, as any erring members would be decisively dealt with in line with the constitution of the party.
