Politics

Is Expulsion Of Amaechi’s Loyalists Constitutional?

Published

12 years ago

September 2, 2013

All is truly not well with the Rivers State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which I now refer as “palaver house” given the deepening political crisis rocking the party. The Felix Obuah-led executive of the party with the support of Minister of State for Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike has been doing everything possible to destabilise the Amaechi administration using their contacts at all levels. Of course, the Minister of State for Education had reportedly said that he would make the state ungovernable which elicited reactions from individuals and groups, calling on the police authorities to arrest and prosecute him for “openly threatening the lives of Rivers people , peace and security of the state.”

Political observers are of the view that the primary objective of the Felix Obuah-led executive of the state PDP is to wrest power at all cost from Governor Amaechi. To this effect, it has been fighting dirty since it came on board via an Abuja High Court judgment, thus, heating up the polity. The various courts in the land are replete with litigations arising from the actions of the Felix Obuah-led exco, ranging from suspension to outright expulsion of members of pro-Amaechi group.

A week ago, the Felix Obuah-led exco expelled 18 associates of Governor Amaechi for failing to appear before Osinakachukwu Ideozu-led committee on Performance Evaluation of political office holders, elected and appointed on the platform of PDP in Rivers State. Those expelled include former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Dr Sam Sam-Jaja, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), George Feyii, Chief of Staff, Government House, Tony Okocha and the Adminsitrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam.

Fourteen commissioners were also expelled, namely, Victor Giadom (Works), Augsutine Wokocha (Power), Worgu Boms (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), Joe Poroma (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation), Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi (Lands and Survey), Fred Igwe (Sports), Emmaunel Chinda (Agriculture), Joeba West (Women Affairs), Patricia Simon-Hart (Water Resources and Rural Development), Okey Amadi (Energy), Charles Okaye (Chieftaincy Affairs), Nnabuike Imeagwu (Culture and Tourism) and Samuel Eyiba (Local Government).

However, we must pause and take a critical look at the relevant provisions of the PDP constitution for the justification or otherwise of the extreme punitive measure meted out to Governor Amaechi’s associates. Article 21.4 of the PDP constitution states: “The Working Committee at any level of the party may after preliminary hearings, suspend a member from the party for a period not exceeding one month during which period the member so suspended shall not lose his or her right to contest any election but shall be referred to the appropriate disciplinary Committee.”

Article 21.5 states: “Where an allegation is made against a member of the party, the Disciplinary committee shall inform the member in writing of the allegations made against him or her.”

Article 21.6 states: “A member who appears before a Disciplinary Committee shall be given the opportunity to present his or her case orally or in writing either in person or through a counsel of his or her choice and shall be allowed to call witnesses. A decision taken against a member who has not been informed of the charges against him or her or has not been given any opportunity of defending himself or herself shall be null and void.”

Did the Felix Obuah-led exco adhere to the constitutional provisions before wielding the sledge hammer on Governor Amaechi’s associates? Hear Hon Obuah: “The refusal of the 18 affected persons to send in written reports of their steawardship, if they were not chanced to put up appearance, despite the well-published sitting arrangements of the committee is considered as an affront, insubordination and lack of respect for constitutional authority.”

“The committee duly notified all concerned and was willing to accept any written report from such persons where necessary, but did not receive any supervening circumstance that made it impossible for any of them to honour the invitation.

“We had no choice, but to show them the way out of the party, because we cannot continue to operate in this disorderly manner, being a serious and disciplined political party.”

From the fore-going, it is very glaring that the expulsion of the 18 members of the party was not in line with the PDP constitution.

The affected members ought to have been suspended and informed in writing about their offence and also given the opportunity to defend themselves before the party could take further action against them. Again, Obuah explained that the PDP members who did not appear before the committee escaped sanction because they got in touch with the party leadership and the committee, but most importantly, sent in documentation of their performances. But the nine commissioners in Governor Amaechi’s cabinent that were left out had debunked the claim that they participated in the Performance Evaluation exercise. They said that it was a ploy to create disaffection among members of pro-Aamechi group. However, the onus of proof lies with the Felix Obuah-led executive so as to absolve the party of nefarious contrivance to cause confusion in Governor Amaechi’s camp.

More worrisome is the fact that the case between Amaechi and the PDP Performance Evaluation Committee is before a State High Court in Port Harcourt presided over by Justice Silverlyn Iragunuma, prior to the announcement of the purported expulsion. In an interview with a national daily recently, the Counsel to Amaechi and 27 lawmakers in the State Assembly who are loyal to him (Amaechi), Emenike Ebete had explained that the suit before Justice Iragunuma (a vacation court) was the same suit in which the governor, members of the National Assembly and council chairmen were seeking injunction to stop the Performance Evaluation committee from assessing them.

He said that the court had already granted Amaechi the leave sought to serve all processes ofhis ex-parte application on the PDP national secretariat by registered post while that of the State PDP should be served by posting.

If so, there is more to the expulsion which was hurriedly slammed on the 18 associates of Governor Amaechi. According to Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha, “what they are planning is to use fake delegates for the mini-convention of the PDP that is coming up this weekend. Could that be the reason?

Again, why is the national leadership of the party unperturbed about the crisis in the State PDP. Rivers State is predominantly a PDP State and returned the highest votes for Mr President in 2011 general elections. Is it that the party is ready to forgo over two million votes because some political opponents within the party want to destroy Governor Amaechi for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and rule of law? Governor Amaechi is an asset to PDP and deserves every modicum of respect from the party members, including Felix Obuah-led executive. Rather than making inflammatory utterances and taking actions that will impact negatively on the political fortune of the party, Obuah should take advantage of the reconciliatory efforts by the national leadership of the party to restore peace in his “palaver house.”

Politics

Cleric Tasks APC On Internal Stability, Warns Otti

Published

2 days ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

In a dramatic escalation of spiritual commentary on Nigeria’s shifting political climate, the General Overseer of Light of the World International Church, Prophet Joshua Arogun, has issued a stern prophetic alert concerning the internal workings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the political trajectory of Abia State.

Speaking during a weekend prayer gathering in Lagos, the prophet delivered what he described as “a message directly from the throne of heaven,” urging political actors across the country not to ignore the warning signs unfolding in the nation’s political sphere.

Echoing earlier prophecies from other religious voices, Prophet Arogun raised concerns about the APC’s internal stability under its current national leadership.

According to him, divine scrutiny has intensified over the party, and any attempt to manipulate its internal democratic systems would spell disaster at the polls.

“Heaven is watching the process, not just the outcome. Any undemocratic means of bringing candidates into the APC such as imposition, manipulation, or forced consensus will trigger an automatic loss at the polls. This is a spiritual law already activated”, the prophet declared.

He insisted that the party’s future electoral fortunes would depend not on money or alliances, but on fairness, transparency, and genuine respect for the will of party members.

Turning to Abia State, Prophet Arogun delivered what many congregants described as a precise and unusually direct message.

He warned that the state was heading into a period of intense political realignment, marked by a clash between entrenched and emerging power blocs.

According to him, even if the sitting governor, Dr. Alex Otti, joins the APC, he must be ready to submit himself to a full and competitive primary rather than expecting a free pass.

“If Governor Otti joins the APC, he should come with humility and readiness to participate in the full electoral process. There are long-standing leaders in Abia State with structures, deep grassroots loyalty, and the capacity to unseat him if he underestimates them. People like Nkiru Onyejeocha and Orji Uzor Kalu are deeply rooted with massive follower-ship and acceptance by the people”, Prophet Arogun warned.

He predicted that before the next election cycle, Abia’s political landscape would witness broken alliances, surprising mergers, and new contenders emerging from within established networks.

Prophet Arogun concluded with a broader appeal to Nigeria’s political leaders, emphasizing the need for justice, peace, and integrity in public governance.

“Nigeria is the assignment. Only righteousness will stabilize this nation. Only fairness will preserve the mandate. Let those who have ears hear”, he said softly.

Politics

DEFECTION: DON’T HIDE UNDER OLD SENTIMENTS TO FIGHT DIRI – AIDE

Published

2 days ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State governor on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Wisdom Ikuli, has taken a swipe on persons he alleged were hiding under the guise of old sentiments to fight the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

He said one thing politicians of various divides in the state have forgotten was that before the inception of the administration of the governor, leadership and governance in the state were made the exclusive rights and preserves of just a few political actors.

Hon. Ikuli alleged that participation in active politics, which seemed to have been the only ticket and guarantee for government patronage in the state, has changed since the inception of the Senator Diri’s administration.

“Before the ‘ASSURED Prosperity’ administration of his excellency, Senator Douye Diri, there were two broad categories of Bayelsans: politicians and beneficiaries of government patronage and spectators. But the coming into office of the prosperity governor changed all these and gave all Bayelsans equal opportunity and access to government.

“There’re incidents and situations where public officers even referred to state resources as their money. It was so because they were the then Chief Custodians of the commonwealth and patrimony of the state who were elected to hold and also manage the resources in trust.

“Few years ago, there was less emphasis on competence and performance. It was a case of ‘my turn versus wait for your turn’ to do whatever you like.

“Again, it was a known fact that Bayelsa State was regularly in the news for negative reasons. So, the lack or near absence of development and the negative impressions about the state resulted in her isolation, but the advent of the ‘ASSURED Prosperity Administration’ has changed the whole narrative.

“Under the ASSURED Prosperity administration, government and governance is all inclusive. All Bayelsans are partakers and critical stakeholders. As a matter of fact, you do not need to know anyone in government to get available benefits that are always thrown open to all, irrespective of political party affiliations”, he added.

The governor’s aide, who described him as ‘God sent’, noted that Senator Diri was specifically brought in by God for the mission to change the story of the State and her citizens.

“What is happening in Bayelsa State is exactly what happened in Akwa Ibom State, where at a point, Akwa Ibomites were ashamed to introduce themselves as Akwa Ibomites. Most of them claimed their old identity as people from Cross River State. And so it was that God brought Senator Godswill Akpabio to change the story of his state when he was governor.

“Today, Gov. Douye Diri has turned the whole of Bayelsa State to a construction site with roads and bridges criss-crossing everywhere. Government’s edifices, health centres, primary and secondary school buildings are not counted as major projects in the Diri’s administration, and I say so because they are almost countless, and are everywhere.

“Sadly and unfortunately too, some insignificant leaders without positive impacts on their people are trying to create impressions that Gov. Douye Diri left the PDP that gave him a platform to the APC. For this group of leaders and their followers that make up less than 5% of Bayelsans, their only credential is that they have remained in PDP for eternity.

“Bayelsans are not gullible. Vast majority of the people of the state know that political party is like a vehicle that conveys people from one destination to another. What is most important is the destination where available opportunities are harnessed and appropriated for the common good of the people”, Hon. Ikuli maintained.

The Governor’s Technical Adviser restated that it was no longer secret that citizens of the State were eye witnesses to the fact that investors are now relocating from many places to the State due to the conducive business and investment atmosphere that the governor has created, noting

that the State’s number one citizen has not only restored peace and unity to the state, but that he is also working with stakeholders and various security agencies to make Bayelsa the safest in the country.

“The community policing strategy of the state is so unique that many states are emulating it. Governor Diri has successfully set a leadership and development standard for successive administrations to build upon as the state is no longer among the ones that are disregarded due to the vision and leadership style of our God-sent governor.

“The earlier those who are conspiring to paint the governor in bad light wake up to the realities of the time, the better for them. Never again shall Bayelsa State be entrusted to unserious characters whose only credentials is the number of years they have played politics and also stayed in a particular political party.

“Our Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is the greatest thing that has happened to our contemporary democracy. He is a God-sent leader that is leading very well, while we are following him”, the governor’s adviser said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Politics

Makarfi Resigns As PDP BoT Secretary

Published

1 week ago

November 18, 2025

The Tide

Former Governor of Kaduna State and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) Secretary, Senator Muhammed Makarfi, has resigned his position as the BoT Secretary of the party.

Senator Makarfi’s resignation comes on the heels of the national convention that saw the emergence of the new Chairman of PDP, Dr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

In his letter of resignation, which was addressed to the PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Monday evening, the former governor said, “Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees may recall that about two months ago I had resigned as Secretary of the Board and posted same on the Board’s WhatsApp platform.

“Mr Chairman, you may also recall that you personally urged me to stay on until after a convention that produced a Chairman.”

He added that the principal reason he initially tendered his resignation then “and now, was and is still my belief that the National Chairman of the Party and Secretary of the Board of Trustees should not come from the same geopolitical zone.

“Now that a chairman has emerged from the North West, where I come from, it’s necessary to give him full space to do the needful. Accordingly, I hereby formally resign as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from today, November 17th, 2025.”

While commending the BoT Chairman for his support during his tenure as Secretary of the Board, he stressed, “I truly appreciate the very respectful relationship between us during my period as Secretary,” adding that, “I also appreciate all Board members for their support and the good relationship that prevailed during my period as Secretary.”

Meanwhile, Dr Turaki on Monday pledged to ensure that power returns to the Nigerian people, urging the judiciary to uphold the tenets of democracy.

Dr Turaki, while giving his acceptance speech after the swearing-in of new officers at the end of the Elective Convention of the PDP in Ibadan, assured that there will be “no more impunity, no more suppression of the will of Nigerians”.

The chairman appealed to the judiciary to uphold the principles of stare decision, abiding by the decisions of the Supreme Court, and not to “willingly or unwillingly put yourselves in a situation where, rightly or wrongly, it may be assumed, correctly or incorrectly, that you are part and parcel of the process to truncate Nigerian democracy.”

According to him, the new leadership of the party would be open to listening to the yearnings of members, with a view to aligning with their will, declaring that “No more monkey dey work, baboon dey chop,” adding that “if baboon wants to chop, baboon must be seated to work.”

He noted that the PDP has maintained its original name, motto and logo, unlike the other parties that started with it, making it a recognised brand anywhere in Nigeria.