The Peoples Democratic Party, South-South Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) has appointed caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of the party in Bayelsa and Edo states for three months.

This followed the approval for the setting up of caretaker committees for both states by the ZWC at a meeting presided over by the National Vice-Chairman of the party, Dan Orbih. 

This is contained in a statement by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Etim Isong, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Isong explained that the decision to set up the committees for both states followed the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC) of Bayelsa State and the caretaker committee in Edo State.

He said that this was on account of what the ZWC described as various acts of gross misconduct by the dissolved executives.

He added that these actions were in clear breach of the party’s constitution, which led to the poor handling of internal crises rocking the PDP in both states.

He said, “For Edo, we took into reckoning the poor performance and woeful outing by the party in the state in the last governorship elections. So, we are taking these decisions in the best interest of the PDP after a careful review of the activities of the party in both states. ’This is in line with the constitution of the party as amended in 2017, particularly Articles 10(1),(f),(g),(k), and (4) as well as Articles 26(2),(a), 27(2)(a&b), 58(1),(a),(c),(i),(j), and 59(1)(f).  The zonal working committee hopes that this bold move will strengthen the party’s foundation and ensure effective leadership in both states.’’

According to the zonal spokesman, the caretaker committee members for Bayelsa include George Turnah, South South Zonal Secretary as Chairman, with Tony Gabriel as Deputy Chairman and Ebilade Ekerefe as Secretary.

Others are Didi Werilaghebofa, vice chairman, Central; Andy Majors, Vice Chairman, East; Evelyn Odi, Vice Chairman, West; Biobelemoye Igoniwari, Treasurer; Awudumapu Agorodi, legal adviser; Erepagamo Eke-Spiff, financial secretary; and A man Oyeintariperedei, Auditor.

The committee also has Derri Wright, publicity secretary; Christian Akuraku, organising secretary; Ato Alfreda, woman leader; and Nicholas Eferebo, youth leader.

Mr Isong added that Edo has as its chairman Nosa Ogieva, with Sunny Okomayin as deputy chairman, Hillary Otsu as secretary, Nosa Iseleomon as vice chairman, South, Ehisota Oriakhi as vice chairman, Central, and Richard Ehimigbai as vice chairman, North.

According to him, Tes Sorae is the woman leader, Benjamin Ehinlebodiaye is the treasurer, Emma Akhaba is the auditor, Daniel Okojie is the organising secretary, Bob-Manuel Umoru is the publicity secretary, William Umoru is the legal adviser, Moses Izobo is the financial secretary, and Destiny Oreye is the youth leader.

He quoted Mr Orbih as emphasising the importance of unity and discipline within the party.

He called on the newly appointed leaders to pursue genuine reconciliation among members and foster the cohesion necessary for repositioning the party in both states. 

(NAN)