PDP can’t silence G5, he tells Ayu, now himself suspended
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, the mastermind of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G5 Governors, has cautioned National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu against hunting the rebel Governors.
Ayu himself was suspended with “immediate effect” from the party at the weekend by the PDP Executive in Igyorov Ward of Gboko Council in Benue for “anti-party activities.”
Wike warned that Ayu and the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) cannot cage members of the G5 who refused to back Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid because of his support for Ayu to remain as National Chairman.
The G5 insist the post of National Chairman belongs to the South in this election cycle, based on the party’s constitution.
Others in the G5 are Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
The NWC headed by Ayu has referred Ortom to a disciplinary committee for anti-party activities following the outcome of the 2023 general election.
However, Wike countered in Port Harcourt that “You cannot cage any of us. Ortom will not appear before any of your so-called disciplinary committees. Ayodele Fayose [former Ekiti Governor] will also never appear before any disciplinary committee.”
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Suspensions a nullity, Wike says
Wike described the suspension of Fayose and others over anti-party activities by the NWC as a nullity, per reporting by The Guardian.
“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 of referring Ortom to national disciplinary committee,” Wike said.
“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 our party is concerned.
“Ortom, who has stood firm for the unity of this country; 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 zoning of political offices as is required. So, whoever tells you to suspend people, please tell the person that he is not serious.”
Wike cautioned Ayu and the NWC to stop threatening the G5 Governors and members of the Integrity Group with suspension, saying Ayu by his recent action has opened up a new chapter of political war in the party.
“You cannot cage any of us. Ortom will not appear before any of your so-called disciplinary committee. Ayodele Fayose will also never appear before any disciplinary committee.”
