***Elumelu suspended after named ‘minority leader’
***Suspends six other members of the House of Representatives
***Said they have been referred to the disciplinary committee
By Jennifer Y Omiloli
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended Ndudi Elumelu two days after he was named minority leader by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The party in a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, announced the suspension on Friday, July 5.
The party also announced the suspension of Wole Oke, Lynda Ikpeazu, Anayo Edwin, Gideon Gwadi, Toby Okechukwu and Adekoya Abdul-Majid.
“Consequent upon this, the above mentioned members of our party are hereby suspended for one month and this matter is hereby referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of our party, in keeping with Section 57(3) of the PDP constitution.” Elumelu in his reaction said he was not expecting the suspension. He said: “With their hasty decision to suspend us, I think I smell a rat.” he said.
Consequent upon this, the above mentioned members of our party are hereby suspended for one month and this matter is hereby referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of our party, in keeping with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution.
— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) July 5, 2019
The suspension of the lawmakers is coming following their announcement as leaders of the House by the Speaker as against the party’s choice.
“The Party noted the roles played by the underlisted members which resulted in the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, reading another list for minority leadership of the House other than the list submitted to him by our party, the PDP.” Ologbodiyan said.
The PDP had nominated Chukwuka Onyema as deputy minority leader, Yakubu Barde as minority leader and Muraina Ajibola as deputy minority leader. The party said its resolution was based on the decision of the national working committee.
“After preliminary examination by the NWC, it was evident that the roles played by the above mentioned members, bordered on indiscipline, insubordination and disobedience of party directives contrary to Section 58 (1)(b)(c)(f)(h) of the PDP constitution (as amended in 2017), which provides that:” he added.
“Subject to the provision of this constitution, the party shall have power to discipline any member who says or does anything likely to bring the party into disrepute, hatred or contempt; disobeys or neglects to carry out lawful directives of the party or any organ or officer of the party; engages in anti-party activities; or engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party”. he said.
…of the party; engages in anti-party activities; or engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party”.
— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) July 5, 2019
