PDP South-South lifts suspension of acting zonal secretary

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) South-South Zonal Executive Committee has nullified the suspension of its acting zonal secretary, George Turnah, by the party’s State Working Committee in Bayelsa State.

This is even as Turnah has declared that he has no rift with Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

The party’s State Working Committee in Bayelsa recently announced Turnah’s suspension for gross misconduct and dragged him to the party’s disciplinary committee.

However, Turnah appealed against his suspension, arguing that the party’s constitution had been violated by his suspension.

In a statement signed by Arch. Ekom Akonjom, the Organising Secretary of the South-South Zonal Working Committee, the party’s zonal leadership announced that Turnah’s suspension from the party had been set aside.

Akonjom, who stated that the zonal leadership had considered Turnah’s appeal, noted that there was merit in his argument against the SWC of the party in Bayelsa State.

“After careful consideration of the appeal and taking into consideration the relevant provisions of the party’s constitution, the Committee found that the appeal has merit and accordingly granted the reliefs sought therein.

“Consequently, the suspension of George Turnah is hereby set aside and lifted by the powers conferred on the Zonal Working Committee of the party, South-South Zone. The public is hereby advised to note the setting aside and lifting of the suspension.”

Meanwhile, Turnah has reversed his directive to his supporters to resign from the administration of Governor Douye Diri and pull out his club, George Turnah FC, from the ongoing Governor’s Cup tournament tagged Prosperity Tournament.

He disclosed that his earlier directive was in reaction to the unlawful inauguration of a parallel Ward Executive Committee for Ogbia Ward 9, following the refusal of the authentic executive to suspend him from the party without justification.

According to him, he expressed doubts that Diri would endorse such illegality, which he stated contradicts the democratic values of the governor, hence his decision to rescind his earlier directive.