S’South PDP Suspends Zonal Secretary Over Alleged Misconduct

BENIN – The South-South Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday suspended the Zonal Secretary, Chief Felix Omemu, for one month over alleged misconduct and unauthorized statements in the media discrediting the ZEC meeting in Benin.

Chief Omemu’s suspension was announced at the party’s zonal meeting held in Benin, the Edo state capital on Saturday and was presided over by the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih.

Omemu, had in a statement, issued in Yenagoa stated that the meeting called by Chief Dan Orbih was illegal, alleging that in line with the PDP constitution, the ZEC meeting could only be held with the approval of the Zonal Working Committee.

Omemu further alleged in his statement that there was no such time that the Zonal Working Committee deliberated and agreed to convene a meeting of the Zonal Executive Council.

At the South South Zonal Executive Committee meeting in Benin, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, Speaker River State House of Assembly moved the motion for the suspension of the Zonal Secretary, Chief Felix Omemu, which was seconded by Godwin Offiono member representing Ogoja/Yala constituency in the 10th National Assembly.

Amaewhule accused the Zonal Secretary, Chief Felix Omemu of misconduct, breach of trust, and fostering division among members.

He said the suspension was due to insurance of unauthorized statements in the media concerning the ZEC South South meeting calling on members not to attend.

According to Amaewhule, “Chief Felix Omemu must be suspended and a Disciplinary committee set up to investigate the zonal secretary”

Amaewhule however described the Zonal Secretary’s action as illegal and an attempt to cause disunity and dissuade members from attending the South South ZEC meeting in Benin.

Following the suspension, PDP zonal legal adviser, George Turnah was immediately appointed to function as the Acting zonal secretary .

On his part, National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan
Orbih lauded the ZEC for the suspension, saying that the move is a right step in the right direction aimed at repositioning the party and curbing the excesses of some leaders and members of the party to cause disunity among others.

The South South Zonal Executive Committee meeting was attended by its Zonal chairman, Senators, and House of Representatives members drawn from the 5 states in the south south except Awka Ibom State delegates.