The former Governor of Benue state, Chief Samuel Ortom and the National Secretary of the party, Chief Samuel Anyanwu, have been summoned by the National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Chief Tom Ikimi.
This is parts of the efforts to bring the endless leadership crises in the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to an end,
The 21 man disciplinary Committee was formed after the party was defeated in 2015, and mandated to come up with measures and actions against those that worked against the party in the 2015 and 2023 general elections and report back to the party’s National Execution Committee (NEC).
However the committee since it’s formation has not made any meaningful move to discipline erring members and ensure that justice is restored.
It is believed the the inability of the committee to find solution to the position of National Chairman which has remained vacant since the sack of its former occupant, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu emboldened members to foment more crisis, the latest of which is the struggle between Samuel Anyanwu and Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, over the position of National Secretary.
This situation has pitched major stakeholders of the party including the PDP governors, members of the party National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party against each other.
While the governors have thrown their weight behind Udeh-Okoye, Anyanwu refused to back down on the excuse that Supreme Court will determine, who is the rightful person to occupy the position.
But in a statement on Thursday, the committee said that the National Disciplinary Committee is committed to ensuring discipline within the Party and restoring the integrity of the Party.
He disclosed that his committee has received five petitions so far, adding that the second set of petitions, which were set down for enquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State and 10 others and the petition against Sen Anyanwu.
The statement reads: “The National Disciplinary Committee considered five (5) petitions received so far; and following a detailed review of the petitions, noted that the first set of petitions were against some key members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
“The Committee came to the conclusion that in order not to jeopardize the ongoing reconciliatory efforts of the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, took a decision to step down those three (3) of the petitions against the top NWC members.
“The second set of petitions which were set down for enquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and 10 others and the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
“Accordingly, The National Disciplinary Committee resolved to invite the affected persons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, 12th February, 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja. Those expected to attend are the Petitioners and their witnesses on the one hand and the affected party members and their witnesses on the other hand.
“The required notices have been issued out accordingly.
“The National Disciplinary Committee is committed to ensuring discipline within the Party and restoring the integrity of the Party.
“The Committee reiterates that the National Disciplinary Committee is a constitutionally established Committee that is available to deal with matters brought before it fairly.
“Therefore, all those with genuine grievances against any member of the Party should take advantage of this Standing Committee and follow due process in bringing up their complaints.”
