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Embattled Ayu quits, parks belongings from office
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NWC meets today to review key decisions
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Kinsmen drum support for ex chairman
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Deputy-National Chairman (North) of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum has been appointed as the acting National Chairman of the party.
Damagum replaces Senator Iyorchia Ayu, who was restrained, on Monday, from parading himself as the National Chairman of the PDP by a Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba made the announcement of the appointment of Damagum as acting National Chairman of the PDP yesterday before he Damagum formally assumed duties in his new capacity.
Ologunagba, who addressed journalists in company of some other NWC members of the party, said, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at an emergency meeting today (yesterday), Tuesday, March 28, 2023, acknowledge the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023 with regards to the Chairmanship position of our great Party.
“After a careful consideration of the Court Order and in line with Section 45 (2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the NWC resolved that the Deputy National Chairman (North) His Excellency, Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum assumes the National Chairmanship of our Party in acting capacity with effect from today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great Party to remain calm and united at this critical time”, he said.
The NWC members in attendance were;
Damagum, Ologunagba, the Party’s National Youth Leader, Muhammed Kandade Sulieman, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade SAN, National Treasurer, Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and National Financial Secretary, Mr Daniel Woyegikuro.
Damagum, after taking over, said that a meeting of the National Working Committee, NWC, will hold tomorrow (today), stressing that the various decisions taken under Ayu will be considered for possible review.
Ayu was sighted briefly at the Wadata national secretariat of the PDP, early yesterday, to park some of his personal effects from his office.
He came in company of the National Secretary of the Party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
He left after about one hour in office.
Asked if Ayu was in office yesterday, Damagum responded in the affirmative, saying, “Yes, he was suspended by the court, but he has every right to come and pack his belongings”
Earlier, some members of the Igyorov (Iyorchia Ayu’s ward) PDP expanded Ward Executive Committee had passed a vote of full confidence on Senator Ayu and pledged their full support for his pragmatic leadership style.
A member of the expanded ward exco, who spoke for the members at a press conference in Abuja, Barrister Stephen Shimahile, said, “We, the undersigned PDP Ward Executive Committee Members of Igyorov Council Ward, have categorically disclaimed and disassociated ourselves from the purported letter of vote of No confidence and suspension of Senator Dr. Iyorchial Ayu as a member of PDP in Igyorov Council Ward of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State dated the 24th day of March, 2023.
“The executive committee has never discussed in any of our meetings prior to election or post 2023 General Election about the conduct of the National Chairman. Chapter 10 section 57 of the party’s Constitution 2017 as amended.
“The Executive Committee Members have stated clearly that they have no knowledge about the letter and have not authorized anybody whatsoever to generate such mischievous letter on behalf of the Executive Committee.
“The purported signatures on the letter were forged and no member of PDP Executive Committee of Igyorov Council Ward has signed that letter nor caused to be signed on his or her behalf.
“The names of the Executive Committee Members are wrongly written and spelt, which shows the desperation of the mischief makers.
“Igyorov PDP Ward Executive Committee hereby pass vote of full confidence on Senator Dr. Iyorchial Ayu and we also pledge our full support for his pragmatic leadership style (as the National Chairman of the Party)”, they said.
