Makarfi committee set to conduct congresses in Imo and Yobe

The Ahmed Makarfi led Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced preparations for state congresses in Imo and Yobe states. A statement last night signed by a member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi said the congress will take place on Monday August 8. The congresses are meant to fill vacuum created by the failed congresses in the two states in May. The statement said,
“Sections 15 (1) (e) and 18 (1) (g) of the PDP Constitution (As Amended in 2012) provide that 3 Ad-hoc delegates shall be elected at Ward Congresses to LGA and State Congresses.
“Section 18 (2) (c) stipulates that National Delegates shall be elected at LGA Congresses to the National Convention. In both cases, Ward Ad-Hoc and National Delegates shall cease to function at the conclusion of congresses or National Convention for which they were elected. According to the guideline, ward congresses will take place in the two states on August 10, while the local government congresses will hold on August 12.This is coming just as the Ali Modu Sheriff faction announced the lifting of the suspension order placed on some chieftains of the party in Abia state. In a separate statement last night jointly signed by Sheriff and factional National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo, the group voided the suspension order placed on Messers Chidi Nwosu (Umuahia South) Emeka Ejiogu (Umuahia North) and Chukwuemeka Osoagbaka (Ikwuano).

The statement said,

“The NWC frowns at a situation where party members are being victimized because of their loyalty to the leadership at the national level. “It is important that all organs of the party must respect party members’ wish to associate with other members irrespective of various affiliations. The crisis going on in the party is an internal matter and is in the process of resolution. “It is worthy to note that party members in Abia state being so victimized have not committed any anti-party activity.“In the light of this, the NWC hereby directs the Abia state chapter to immediately rescind the purported suspensions and show, within 48 hours, evidence of its compliance with the NWC. “Failure to comply will attract stiff sanctions in accordance with the constitution of the PDP”.

The Nation