The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that contrary to speculations, the Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako was not suspended because of the crisis in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) but punishment for acts which constituted gross misconduct against the party.
Wammako’s indefinite suspension had come just a week after his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi was handed the same punishment.
Explaining Wamakko’s suspension yesterday in a press statement, PDP national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said sometime in April, the leadership of the party was concerned with the statements and conduct of the governor and national chairman placed several calls to draw the attention of the governor to the matters concerned, but he showed nonchalance.
“However, it was not possible for the national chairman to speak with the governor despite several attempts. The national chairman thereafter, vide a letter dated April 12, 2013, requested an explanation to the NWC within seven days.
“Instead of replying the national chairman, Governor Wamakko directed the Sokoto State secretary of the party, Mallam Aminu Bello Sokoto, to reply the national chairman. The State party secretary in a letter dated April 14, 2013, and on the official letterhead of the Sokoto State Government House, replied the national chairman on behalf of the governor,” the party stated.
Metuh said that all attempts at making the Wamakko attend to the party’s quest was rebuffed.
“This amounted to gross disrespect and act of insubordination to a national officer and a lawful organ of the party which is in violation of Articles 58.1 (c), (h) and (m) of the PDP constitution which prescribed sanctions for any member who (c ) “disobeys or neglects to carry out lawful directives of the party or any organ or officer of the party”, (h) “engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party” and (m) “fails, refuses or neglects to treat a petition, complaints or appeal timeously” respectively.
“Nevertheless, the NWC, vide a letter dated April 17, 2013, requested Wamakko to appear before it on May 8, 2013, to clear the issues thereof.