Rivers: National Chairman, Secretary Suspended Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities in Rivers

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated as the National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, over accusations of anti-party activities.

Reliable sources in Abuja disclosed that the decision to suspend both officials was reached during an emergency meeting convened by a majority of NWC members. The meeting, which extended into the early hours of Friday, culminated in their suspension.

Confirming the development, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, issued an official statement detailing the NWC’s decision at around 3:18 a.m.

The statement explained that the NWC deliberated on several complaints regarding Damagum and Anyanwu’s actions, particularly a letter they addressed to the Court of Appeal. The letter contradicted the party’s stance in a legal case involving 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. These lawmakers had lost their seats after defecting from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The NWC condemned this blatant anti-party activity by the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary, labeling it a clear violation of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office,” the statement read.

The NWC’s decision was based on sections 57, 58, and 59 of the party’s constitution. Consequently, Amb. Umar Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu have been suspended from their roles as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. Both officials have also been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.

Pending the outcome of this investigation, Damagum and Anyanwu have been barred from participating in any party meetings, activities, or programs.

BoT’s Response

Meanwhile, the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has reiterated the need for all party members to cooperate with the disciplinary process. The BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, during the board’s 78th meeting, urged the NWC to ensure that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meets as planned on October 24 to resolve the ongoing issues.