By Ayodele Oni
Embattled National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Iyorcha Ayu, has declared that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) can suspend him.
Ayu’s suspension was announced on Sunday by the Ward Executive of the party in Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.
Addressing the Media, Sunday, on behalf of Kashi Philip, the Ward Chairman, the Ward Secretary Mr. Vangeryina Dooyum, explained that Dr. Ayu was suspended by the Executive for alleged anti party activities.
But in a reaction on Monday, through his Special Adviser on Media, Simon Imobo-Tswam, Ayu stated that those goading Ward Executive are ignorant
The statement reads: ”Our attention has been drawn to rumours that the PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has been suspended by the Executive Committee of his Ward.
“We wish to state categorically and with all emphasis at our disposal thus:
“The PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has not been suspended by his Ward. Some members of the Exco are only being teleguided by political gamblers to cause mischief and nothing more.
“For starters, Article 57(7) of the PDP Constitution as Amended in 2017 expressly prohibits any organ of the party or executive committee of the party at the Ward or State Level from taking any disciplinary measure against any member of the party’s National Executive Committee.
“The purported suspension is, therefore, an exercise in futility as it derives its strength majorly from gross illiteracy, ignorance, gambling and desperation. It has only mischief, drama and propaganda value.
“But more than this, the so-called suspension letter was written by an illiterate before hand, and only given to the coerced members to sign somewhere in Makurdi.
“This is why the original date is typed and 24 March imposed on it. And this is also why it states that the Presidential/NASS and Governorship/State Assembly elections held on 25th and 18th March, 2023 respectively.
“From what we know, the document itself is fraudulent as the signatures of the Ward Executives were forged or obtained under duress.
“The Chairman, his Deputy and Legal Adviser didn’t sign. The 14th person on the list didn’t sign too. She was at NKST Ambighir for the Holy Communion.
“In fact, the same applies for Nos. 5, 8 and 16. At the time they were supposed to be in Makurdi with the other coerced, intimidated and induced members of the Exco, they were actually in their villages, going about their normal businesses.
“Up till now, about nine members of the Ward Exco are still being held hostage in a location in Makurdi for obvious reasons. And expectedly, their mobile numbers have been switched off. It is instructive.
“The general public is hereby advised to ignore rumours to this heinous effect. Those behind the plot are only investing in expensive illusions.”
However, not a few people are telling Ayu to watch his back. They remind him of the fate of his predecessor, Prince Uche Secondus whose sack, as National Chairman, was instigated and backed by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
It started same way as Ayu’s. And before Secondus could say jack, he was sacked from office.
For the records, Wike has already backed Ayu’s suspension and applauded those who suspended him.
The next few days will be interesting.
 Dr Iyorcha Ayu, has declared that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) can suspend him.){kind=link}