Former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership led by Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed met yesterday in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, to overturn the decision by the Party’s State chapter to suspend and expel several PDP members.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership led by Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed met yesterday in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, to overturn the decision by the Party’s State chapter to suspend and expel several PDP members.
The meeting was held in the country home of President Goodluck Jonathan amidst tight security, and attendance was strictly limited to the Board of Trustees, barring other Party leaders such as Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, D.S.P. Alameiseigha, and others, according to the embattled PDP State Chairman Colonel Sam Inokoba, who was also unable to attend.
Governor Dickson had expelled or suspended Party members including Senators and former presidential aides due to their "unruly" posture. Those affected include Emmanuel Paulker, Nimi Barigha Amange, Ayakeme Whiskey, Marie Ebikake, Waripamowei Dudafa, Ebikitin Diongoli, and Remi Kuku.
With the decision to overturn Mr. Dickson’s actions, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, the chairman of the Party’s Board of Trustees, called on all feuding PDP members and stakeholders in the State to close ranks ahead of the forthcoming governorship polls.
The State Secretary of the PDP, Godspower Keku, confirmed the development and said the decision was taken in the best interest of the party, especially with a crucial election around the corner. He also said the decision to rescind the suspensions and expulsions was made on the request of Governor Dickson, but is still subject to ratification by the State working committee, which is expected to deliberate on it soon.
Mr. Keku commended those previously disciplined for not jumping ship from the PDP for the ruling All Peoples Congress (APC), despite the trend among many former PDP members to do so.