From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Benue State chapter has stated that the crisis which has been lingering in the national leadership of the party for some time now is most unfortunate and does not bode well for its growth after its regrettable outcome at the just concluded election.
Publicity Secretary of the Party Bemgba Iortyom who stated this in a press statement on Wednesday frowned at any act of harassment and intimidation of its members.
The Party said it is aware that one of its stakeholders, Terzungwe Atser, has over the past few days made threats of violence against some officials of the party in Igyorov Council Ward of Gboko Local Government Area.
It noted that Terzungwe Atser, a former Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) is believed to be aggrieved by the role of the said Igyorov ward executives following their suspension of National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s membership of the party on allegations of anti party activities.
“We, however, believe in the party’s well tested mechanisms for resolving its internal disputes, being they all civil and in line with its charter and character as a law-governed democratic institution.
“The emergence of Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as Acting National Chairman of the party following the exit of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu from the office attests to its proven ability to amicably resolve matters without resort to violence of whatever kind as an option.
“We, therefore, caution Terzungwe Atser to desist from threatening any official or member of the party as to do so is not only a breach of the PDP constitution, but also amounts to criminality which is punishable under Nigerian law.
“PDP values its officials and members alike and will do everything within its powers to protect and defend them from both internal and external aggression, intimidation and harassment”, Bemgba said.
