From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee ( NWC) has nullified the suspension of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara and Senator George Sekibo by their respective wards in Rivers State.
The PDP NWC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the suspension of Opara and Sekibo by the party executive in Ward 10 Port Harcourt City Local Government Rea and Ward 2 Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State respectively was inconsistent with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
“The NWC, after a thorough consideration of the petitions by Senator Sekibo and Austin Opara dated April 17, 2023 against the purported suspension, hereby declares the action by the said Ward Executives which borders on issues of discipline, as null and void and of no effect, not being consistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (As amended in 2017).
“For clarity, Section 57 (7) provides 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 Governor or member of the National Assembly. The NWC therefore charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, members, teeming supporters of our Party in Rivers State and the general public to disregard the purported suspension of Senator Dr. George Thompson Sekibo and Rt. Hon. Dr. Austin Adiele Opara. The NWC enjoins all Party members in Rivers State to remain united and continue to work together in the overall interest of our Party and the Nation.”