The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Disciplinary Committee has given clarification as to why some high-profile party members, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, were not summoned to appear before it.
Chairman of the Committee, Chief Tom Ikimi, revealed in a statement that the committee’s mandate is limited to addressing petitions filed against party members, rather than acting on allegations published in newspapers.
Ikimi added that the committee’s jurisdiction is restricted to petitions formally submitted to it.
“Whether acts were committed against the party in 2015, 2019, 2020, or any other year, we can do nothing about them except if there are petitions sent to this committee,” he explained.
This clarification comes amid speculation that Wike and others might face disciplinary action for their alleged roles in the party’s election loss in 2023. Wike was particularly criticized for leading a team of G5 governors to openly campaign against the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Meanwhile, the committee was scheduled to hear petitions against former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. However, both individuals failed to appear, citing health challenges and non-receipt of petitions, respectively.
Ikimi disclosed that the committee has evidence that the petitions were served on Ortom and Anyanwu, but has decided to defer the hearing to March 4 to ensure everyone receives a fair hearing. “We believe all will be well, and the committee is going to be fair to everyone,” he assured.
(PUNCH)