On Thursday, the National Disciplinary Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) summoned former governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom and the ousted National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu, among others.
Recall, on August 21 the opposition party moved to end the crisis troubling when its National Working Committee (NWC) set up a disciplinary committee led by Tom Ikimi to allow members file complaints, look into their complaints and make recommendations to the National Executive Committee.
The Disciplinary panel is also to sanction erring members who have been accused of betraying the party.
Thursday`s summon may be in relation to the crisis in the PDP which smouldered soon after the 2023 presidential election.
Experts say the NWC may be considering the latest trouble between Samuel Anyanwu and Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye.
This medium reported that the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party in an emergency meeting on Wednesday at the Transcorp Hotel in Abuja, ratified the decision of the PDP Governors Forum by sacking Chris Anyanwu, and appointing Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as substantive National Secretary.
But investigation showed that Anyanwu has refused to recognise the decision of the BoT, insisting instead to wait for the Supreme Court’s judgment on the controversy.
Chairman of the National Disciplinary Committee, Tom Ikimi, in a statement said he is committed to ensuring discipline within the Party and restoring the integrity of the Party.
He said the committee has received five petitions so far, adding that the second set of petitions, which were set down for enquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom and 10 others and the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
“The National Disciplinary Committee considered five (5) petitions received so far; and following a detailed review of the petitions, noted that the first set of petitions were against some key members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
“The Committee came to the conclusion that in order not to jeopardize the ongoing reconciliatory efforts of the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, took a decision to step down those three (3) of the petitions against the top NWC members.
“The second set of petitions which were set down for enquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom and 10 others and the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
“Accordingly, The National Disciplinary Committee resolved to invite the affected persons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, 12th February, 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.
“Those expected to attend are the Petitioners and their witnesses on the one hand and the affected party members and their witnesses on the other hand. The required notices have been issued out accordingly.
“The National Disciplinary Committee is committed to ensuring discipline within the Party and restoring the integrity of the Party.
“The Committee reiterates that the National Disciplinary Committee is a constitutionally established Committee that is available to deal with matters brought before it fairly.
Therefore, all those with genuine grievances against any member of the Party should take advantage of this Standing Committee and follow due process in bringing up their complaints,” he said.
