According to Channels TV, the member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, has refuted the legality of his purported suspension by a factional Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his Ward 1, Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Allegedly suspended by a parallel PDP Ward Caretaker Executive loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Abiante, an ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and representative of the Governor’s Federal Constituency, denounced the suspension for anti-party activities.
Speaking upon his return from the ECOWAS Parliamentary Diplomatic Mission on the Togo Presidential Election at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Abiante dismissed those behind the suspension as not being true members of the PDP and therefore lacking knowledge of the party’s constitution.
Addressing supporters at the PDP Secretariat in Ngo Town, Ward 1, Andoni LGA, Abiante urged Governor Fubara’s supporters to disregard the purported suspension, citing the lack of legal authority by the party's constitution for such action.
Highlighting the constitutional provisions, Abiante emphasized that no other organ besides the National Executive Committee has the authority to contemplate a query or seek explanations on the activities of a National Assembly member.
He criticized the suspension as part of the antics by disgruntled and misguided politicians aimed at frustrating the Governor Fubara-led Rivers State Government from delivering development to the people.
Abiante expressed confidence in the Governor's widespread support and announced the imminent commissioning of the Andoni section of the Unity Road, completed within six months of Governor Fubara's tenure.
Shortly after, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt issued an interim injunction restraining the PDP Ward Exco from suspending the federal lawmaker and adjourned the matter to May 14, 2024, to allow the defendants to appear in court.
The incident echoes the suspension of former PDP National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus from his Ward 5 Exco in a similar fashion on August 31, 2021.
As the struggle for control of the PDP in Rivers State continues, supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and those of the FCT Minister may witness a season of suspension and counter-suspension in the lead-up to the Party’s Congress next month.