The crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic, Party, (PDP) in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State has taken a new twist, as some members of the PDP have accused the State Chairman, Engr. Sam Uhuotu of being compromised and fuelling the crisis in the grassroot level.
The members, who warned the PDP State Chairman to stop recognizing one Engr. Gabriel Etanyi as Ofu Local Government Chairman of the party, maintained that the Party’s Executive at the Local Level have passed a vote of no confidence in his Leadership.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Lokoja, titled, “The undemocratic attitude of the Kogi State PDP Chairman Engr. Sam Uhoutu over the imposition of imprleached Ofu Local Government Chairman Gabriel Itanyi”, the PDP Public Relations Officer, in Ofu, Hon. Adaji John described the State Chairman (Sam Uhuotu) as a sell out, stressing that his decision to recognize the impeached party Chairman, Engr. Gabriel Etanyi would undermine the success of the Party in the forthcoming general election.
While alleging that the State Chairman was working in many ways to frustrate the activities of the PDP in Ofu Local Government, John explained that the PDP members in the Local Government followed due process in the impeachment of Engr. Gabriel Etanyi.
He said, “Recall that on the 28th of June, 2022 a vote of no confidence was passed on Engr. Gabriel Itanyi, the PDP Chairman ,Ofu LGA by 2/3 of the Local Government Executive Committee which led to his impeachment following his suspension over allegations of gross misconduct, high-handedness, financial misappropriation which have rendered the party unpopular, among other things in Ofu Local Government Area.
“The State Working Committee was duly communicated accordingly. Upon the receipt of the impeachment letter of Engr. Gabriel Itanyi, the State Working Committee in their wisdom set up a five (5) man Committee headed by Hon Sam Abenemi; the Deputy State Chairman to look into the matter with the mandate to verify and ascertain the authenticity of the signatories and to see if due process was followed.
“On the 4th of September, 2022, the committee invited all the Local Government Executive Committee, including the impeached Chairman, Engr. Gabriel Itanyi. After several interrogation, the Committee reports upheld the Impeachment of the Chairman which was further submitted to the State Working Committee on the 19th October, 2022, and it was unanimously approved and ratified by all members.
“Only for the State Chairman to unilaterally give a contrary order for non-implementation of the impeachment for his sinister motive, the action which is considered undemocratic, unconstitutional and abuse of the democratic tenet which the party, PDP is known for.
“We have it on good authority that the State Party Chairman has been compromised and paid to frustrate the activities of the PDP in Ofu Local Government and Kogi East in general.
“We are telling the State Chairman to reverse himself within forty eight hours of his impunity or he faces impeachment from the Local Government Chapter as he has lost credibility and respect of Ofu LGA Chapter of the party.”
“We, therefore, call on the party leaders and the National working Committee to ensure that the State Chairman, Engr. Sam Ohotu recognizes the acting Chairman, Hon. Momosani Musa Isah as we are determined to deliver PDP in all elections,” he added.
