PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus (photo credit: Premium Times)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) convened an emergency session in Abuja on Monday to condemn the report that eight members of the Benue State House of Assembly in an attempt to impeach Governor Samuel Ortom.
At the end of the meeting, the national leadership of the main opposition party condemned the act and the roles allegedly played by the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Police, the Department of State Security (DSS) and APC chieftain, Senator George Akume in the imbroglio.
The PDP alleged that what happened in the state legislature was an attempt to intimidate APC members who are intent on defeating from the ruling party.
As stated by a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the PDP NWC, noted that the impeached Speaker of the House has no right to convey the assembly and preside over a minority group as a court of competent jurisdiction had already forbidden him from parading himself as the Speaker.
It said the action of the minority members of the House could truncate the nation’s democracy.
The communique read: “NWC considered unfolding developments and issues happening in Benue State, particularly as they concern the State House of Assembly and the stability of elected Government.
“The NWC condemns in its entirely the purported sitting of eight APC members including the impeached and suspended Speaker; (in a 30 member House) wherein they illegally claimed to have served an impeachment notice on the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom.
“PDP also condemns the use of the EFCC and DSS to harass and intimidate officials of the Benue State Government.
“We note the roles played by the factional Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government and Sen. George Akume in encouraging lawless acts and anarchy in Benue State.
“In spite of this, it is shocking that no fewer than 300 Policemen were alleged to have escorted the impeached Speaker to the State House of Assembly to initiate a disgraceful and manifestly illegal process.
“Our party warns against deliberate acts which were maliciously designed to truncate democracy by employing underhand tactics to achieve what is inconceivable in a democracy.
“PDP, therefore, urges its members, particularly in Benue State, to rise in defence of their rights and our hard-earned democracy.”