PDP nullifies expulsion of national women leader, chieftain in Edo

Uchechukwu Olisah, Benin City - 30.11.2007

THE Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the purported expulsion of the national women leader of the party, Ms. Herbetha Okonofua, and a chieftain of the party in the state, Chief Francis Inegbeniki.

The party said the expulsion did not follow due process and in contrast with the provisions of the party’s constitution. The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Francis Omo-Osunde Iyasere, who made the party’s position known in a statement on Thursday in Benin City, said “since due process was not followed, the purported expulsion is, therefore, illegal.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the state secretariat of the PDP has nullified the expulsion and described it as unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.”

The PDP national women leader said “the so-called expulsion is a huge joke and a calculated attempt to create tension and instability in my local government by agents of discord and anarchy.”

Ms. Okonofua added that as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, “the local government chapter is constitutionally disabled in suspending me as it has no authority over me in absentia.”