PDP Deputies Forum warns Ayu against stepping on Ortom, others’ toes

The Deputy Forum of the PDP has warned the party national chairman and other members of the National Working Committee to be wary of forces that enthroned them.

The forum on Friday said that strong party leaders—especially Benue Gov Samuel Ortom who nominated and put ex-Sen. President Iyorcha Ayu and other members on the perch—can knock them off anytime.

That is an allusion to the embattled former Chairman Uche Secondus who is still fighting at the Supreme Court for his removal.

Rivers Gov Nyesom Wike fronted for Secondus, a state chairman before he became the PDP national chairman.

Secondus’ journey downward started when he fell out with his state governor, who has admitted he removed the chairman.

The chairman of the Deputies Forum and former deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Diran Odeyemi, gave the advice in his valedictory speech at a the National Conference Centre, Abuja, sduring the week to mark the end of tenure of the former NWC.

“Please be just, fair and seek God’s guidance on issues that come to your table. The system that enthroned you can remove you at any time,” he said.

“It is our style in the PDP; (They chorus) Hosanna today, Crucify him tomorrow. In whatever position we find ourselves, let us be reminded that there will be tomorrow.”

Odeyemi said the outgoing deputie were unfairly treated.

According to him, they all came into office with excitement and were determined to serve but ended up being “unused extra tyres, redundant and useless.

He even indicated Secondus didn’t carry them along.

“I want to place on record that as deputies, we met officially with the former Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, only three times. He was never ready to meet with us. Our complaints for engagement were rebuffed, hopes to serve were dashed and we were rendered inconsequential.

“We had to rely on rumours and hearsay for information about our dear party. We had to lobby for engagements and assignments. Of course, our position as deputies did not come with any monetary allowance and so we were not given. Even when there were social outings, we were never taken along. It was that bad.”

Odeyemi call for a review of the party’s constitution to either scrap the position of deputies or give them roles.