The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) South-South Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) has taken disciplinary action against its Zonal Secretary, Chief Felix Omemu, suspending him for a period of one month. The suspension stems from allegations of misconduct and unauthorized media pronouncements that aimed to discredit a ZEC meeting held in Benin City, Edo State. Prior to the meeting, Omemu issued a statement from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, declaring the Benin meeting, convened by the party’s South-South Vice Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, as illegal. He cited the PDP constitution, arguing that a ZEC meeting necessitates prior approval from the Zonal Working Committee (ZWC), a process he claimed had not been followed. This assertion effectively challenged the legitimacy of the gathering and set the stage for the subsequent disciplinary measures.
The Benin meeting, attended by prominent PDP members, including the Zonal Chairman, senators, House of Representatives members from five of the six South-South states, and delegates (with the exception of Akwa Ibom State), became the backdrop for Omemu’s suspension. The motion for disciplinary action was moved by Martin Amaewhule, the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and seconded by Godwin Offiono, the House of Representatives member representing Ogoja/Yala constituency. Amaewhule’s justification for the suspension centered on allegations of misconduct, breach of trust, and actions intended to sow discord among party members. He explicitly stated that Omemu’s preemptive declaration of the meeting’s illegality was a calculated attempt to undermine party unity and discourage attendance.
The swift move by the ZEC to suspend Omemu reflects an internal struggle for control and influence within the PDP’s South-South zone. The timing of Omemu’s statement, just prior to the Benin meeting, suggests a deliberate attempt to disrupt the proceedings and potentially challenge the authority of Chief Dan Orbih, the South-South Vice Chairman. The subsequent appointment of the zonal legal adviser, George Turnah, as Acting Zonal Secretary indicates the ZEC’s desire to maintain operational continuity and prevent further disruption. This swift action also signals a commitment to addressing internal dissent.
Chief Dan Orbih, the convener of the Benin meeting, endorsed the ZEC’s decision to suspend Omemu, characterizing it as a necessary step toward restoring order and curbing the excesses of members who prioritize personal agendas over party unity. His statement frames the suspension within a broader effort to reposition the PDP for future success. By taking decisive action against perceived dissent, Orbih aims to consolidate his leadership and project an image of a unified and disciplined party. This also serves as a warning to other potential detractors and underscores the importance of adhering to established party procedures.
The absence of representatives from Akwa Ibom State at the Benin meeting is a noteworthy detail. While the reasons for their absence remain unclear, it raises questions about the extent of unity within the South-South zone of the PDP. It is possible that their absence reflects underlying tensions or factional alignments within the state chapter of the party, which may be connected to the broader dispute playing out at the zonal level. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the reasons behind Akwa Ibom’s non-participation and its potential implications for the party’s overall cohesion in the region.
The suspension of Chief Felix Omemu underscores the ongoing internal dynamics within the PDP. It highlights the challenges of maintaining party discipline and managing dissenting voices, particularly in the lead-up to elections. The public nature of this dispute risks further damaging the party’s image and undermining its efforts to present a united front. The ability of the PDP to effectively manage internal conflicts and project an image of stability will be crucial to its electoral prospects. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the party can successfully navigate these internal challenges and emerge stronger and more united. The outcome of the disciplinary committee’s investigation into Omemu’s conduct will likely have significant implications for the future direction of the PDP in the South-South zone.
