Contrary to reports making the rounds, the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has not stepped down from office. In a release, his Media Office, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Ike Abonyi, said he was absent from the National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting held on Saturday, in obedience to the Order of a Calabar High Court.
That was the second order suspending him from office. The first was from a Rivers State High Court. He got a counter from a Kebbi High Court which again was countered by A Calabar High Court.
The Statement reads:
“The media office of Prince Uche Secondus wishes to correct erroneous news circulating that he has stepped down as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
“Prince Secondus, by his unavoidable absence at the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting on Saturday was merely obeying an interim order from Cross River state High Court.
“As a law abiding citizen who has been an adherent of rule of law as a basis for democracy, he stayed away in respect for the courts.
“Prince Secondus’ four year mandate to lead the party given on December 10, 2017 ends by December, 2021.
“By this release, the Media Office wishes to urge Media houses and members of the public, particularly, beloved members of PDP to disregard any news suggesting that he has stepped down.”
Earlier, not that he had a choice, Secondus had written to the Deputy Chairman, South, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi to preside over Saturday’s meeting.
He wrote: “I hereby request you to President over the National Executive Committee meeting of the Party, taking place today, 28th August, 2021, @ 12 noon, in my absence.”
