The State Working Committee, SWC of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State has suspended the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ortom for his choice of the Labour Party, LP candidate in the 2023 election and his statement calling on Benue PDP to vote for APC in the 2027 presidential election.
Also suspended according to a statement signed by CT Heande, PDP Media Consultant and made available to newsmen, is one Hon. Azua Ashongo for gross insubordination and indiscipline as well as the state vice chairman of the party, Chief Isaac Mffo and the Publicity Secretary, Chief Bemgba Iortyom.
Recall that embattled Bemgba Iortyom, was suspended at ward level by his party, PDP a month ago which Led to a litigation before a Benue State High Court, sitting in making for adjudication.
The suspension of the duo, Hwande said was as a result of their alleged involvement in the snatching of congress materials meant for the conduct of last Saturday’s ward congresses in Buruku and Ushongo local government areas respectively.
The suspension of the former governor and the three others, according to Hwande takes effect from Friday, 2nd August 2024.
Earlier, the state publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Bemgba Iortyom, who was listed as one of those suspended by the SWC, according to Hwande, had disclosed the suspension of the State Chairman of the party, John Ngbede, the State Secretary, Joseph Nyam and the state Organising Secretary, Moses Audu.
Their suspension, according to Iortyom was taken at an extraordinary meeting of the State Working Committee of the party on Saturday,3rd August, 2024, at which 9 out of the 13 members were present and assented to the decision.
Iortyom said the suspended members are accused of forging and impersonating the State Working Committee to achieve their individual aims, instigating violence and crisis during the just concluded ward congresses of the party, and mismanagement of the finances of the party, among other things.
“They have been directed to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the party to answer to the charges brought against them within the period of their suspension.
“The State Deputy Chairman, Isaac Mffo, is now the State Chairman of the PDP in Benue State in Acting capacity.
“The PDP family and the general public should take note,” Iortyom stated.
