By Folorunso Alagbede, in Abuja
The National Disciplinary Committee, NDC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, headed by former Minister of External Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, has summoned the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom and the embattled National Secretary of the party, Chief Samuel Anyanwu to appear before it.
Also invited to appear before the committee are ten other PDP members.
This was confirmed in a statement on Thursday by the Chairman of the committee, High Chief Ikimi.
The statement said that the invitation of Ortom, Anyanwu and the others was sequel to petitions written against them.
The affected person’s are expected to appear before NDC of the leading opposition party on Wednesday, 12th January, 2025 in Abuja.
The National Disciplinary Committee, the statement ointed out, is committed to ensuring discipline within the party and restoring the integrity of the party.
The statement by Ikimi reads, “The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic party met on Wednesday, 5th February, 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja in line with its mandate pursuant to Section 57(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2017) relating to Party discipline.
The National Disciplinary Committee considered five (5) petitions received so far; and following a detailed review of the petitions, noted that the first set of petitions were against some key members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
“The Committee came to the conclusion that in order not to jeopardize the ongoing reconciliatory efforts of the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, took a decision to step down those three (3) of the petitions against the top NWC members.
“The second set of petitions which were set down for enquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom and 10 others and the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
“Accordingly, The National Disciplinary Committee resolved to invite the affected persons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, 12th February, 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.
“Those expected to attend are the Petitioners and their witnesses on the one hand and the affected party members and their witnesses on the other hand.
“The required notices have been issued out accordingly.
“The National Disciplinary Committee is committed to ensuring discipline within the Party and restoring the integrity of the Party.
“The Committee reiterates that the National Disciplinary Committee is a constitutionally established Committee that is available to deal with matters brought before it fairly.
“Therefore, all those with genuine grievances against any member of the Party should take advantage of this Standing Committee and follow due process in bringing up their complaints”, it said.
