By Luminous Jannamike & John Alechenu ABUJA

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has suspended the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-East, Chief Ali Odefa.

The suspension, “effective immediately”, was announced on Friday in Abuja, following a meeting of the Ward Executive Committee.

However, Odefa, in a swift reaction, dismissed the said suspension.

He described those behind the suspension as faceless cowards seeking attention.

‘Suspension’

Announcing the suspension during a briefing in Abuja, Herbert Onyedikachi, Acting Chairman of the PDP Oguduokwor Ward, along with other executives, explained the decision.

According to him, Chief Odefa’s suspension is due to alleged anti-party activities and other offences considered detrimental to the party’s image and interests.

He stated that in accordance with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution, the Ward Executive Committee exercised its authority to suspend Chief Odefa.

Additionally, the Committee has referred Chief Odefa to the Ward Disciplinary Committee for further action.

He emphasised that the suspension and disciplinary referral are intended to maintain party discipline and uphold the values and principles of the PDP.

The Ward Executive Committee urged party members to remain committed to the PDP’s objectives and goals.

Ovuta stated that “We are here to inform you of the resolution of the Ward Executive Committee of PDP Oguduokwor Ward to suspend Chief Ali Odefa, the National Vice Chairman of the PDP Southeast Zone, on the grounds of his anti-party activities and other offences which are destructive to the name of our dear party PDP.

“His suspension is in compliance with the provision of Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution.

“We have further referred Chief Ali Odefa to the Ward Disciplinary Committee of the party.

“We urge our members to remain steadfast to the course of our dear party PDP.”

The PDP National Working Committee is expected to review the suspension and disciplinary action. 

‘You’re attention seekers’

Reacting, Chief Odefa dismissed his purported suspension from the party.

Odefa, in a telephone interview with Vanguard, said those behind the “cowardly act” were unknown to the party.

He said: “I’m in Abakaliki as we speak. Don’t you wonder why they left the whole of Ebonyi State to go to Abuja to make such an announcement?

“These are simply individuals who are simply seeking for attention.”

Vanguard News