Wike: PDP Makes Move To Combat G-5 Governors Ahead Of Presidential Endorsement

Reports have indicated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be forced to invoke articles of its constitution to combat threats to its electoral fortunes by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his four aggrieved colleagues.

A senior party leader who spoke under the guise of anonymity told Vanguard on Wednesday that Wike and his group had caused damage to the PDP.

The party leader said, “Wike and his group have already caused the party damage with their conduct and utterances as things stand.

“Section 58 (1) our party constitution is clear on the powers to discipline errant members at any level.”

The section referenced reads: “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the party shall have power to disciple any member who says or does anything likely to bring the party into disrepute, hatred or contempt, (f) engages in anti-party activities.”

However, the source explained that the process and procedures as contained in the document does not confer these powers on an individual, adding that the accused must be given an opportunity to defend himself before a properly constituted panel.

Specifically, the party leader said, “If you look at Sectionn 59 1 (h) of the same constitution stipulates that if any member ‘engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members.

“The Party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the Party;‘ he commits an offence and is liable on conviction to measures including suspension or even expulsion.”

Another party source informed the publication that it seems any hopes for reconciliation is now totally dashed as Wike and his group appear to have made up their mind on the matter.

The source said, “We had hoped that some form of settlement would be arrived at but this to some of us appears far fetched Wike and his group from all indications have made up their minds.

“For us, we cannot descend to the point of dancing naked in the market square like they would like us to, we have an election ahead of us the last thing we can afford is this needless distraction. The party has its method of dealing with such issues, we’ll let it handle it.”