As the turmoil within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State intensifies, party chairman John Ngbede has provided insights into the suspension of former governor Samuel Ortom.
In an exclusive statement from the party’s secretariat on Otukpo Road, Ngbede alleged that Ortom and his associates attempted to forcibly seize control of the party leadership. He emphasized that this move aimed to revert the party back to a period characterized by malpractice.
Ngbede firmly dismissed claims regarding his suspension and that of his secretary and organizing secretary, asserting that only the party’s national executive committee holds the authority to enact such suspensions. “Our tenure is set to conclude on August 4, and we await directives from the national secretariat. The state executive committee is the only body that can suspend me due to my national executive membership,” he stated.
He further noted, “The state working committee suspended the former governor for attempting to wrest control of the party forcibly. We are determined to prevent a return to previous practices that obstruct transparency and integrity in our processes.”
While addressing media personnel at the secretariat, Ngbede and the organizing secretary were preparing for a state executive committee meeting where they may ratify the suspension of Ortom and three other individuals.
Ortom responded to the developments by asserting that his suspension was illegitimate. Through his media aide, he declared that any meeting conducted without his presence is null and void. “Ortom remains the state party leader, and any assembly convened without his consent lacks validity,” the aide affirmed.
Additionally, Ortom indicated that Ngbede, who reportedly faces a one-month suspension, should refrain from conducting meetings. However, he acknowledged the existence of a conflict resolution mechanism within the party, encouraging the allegedly suspended officials to engage with the designated panel investigating their situation.
