The Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi State led by Mr Tochukwu Okorie has suspended the Legal Adviser of the party in the state, Mudi Erhebede; the Deputy Chairman, Ifeanyi Nworie; the Publicity Secretary, Chika Nwoba; and the Youth Leader, Obinna Iteshi.
This was as the PDP ordered for the immediate arrest of the chairman of a factional group in the party, Silas Onu, for allegedly and fraudulently diverting over N52 million from the party’s account in connivance with a banker at the Access Bank Plc, Abakaliki Branch.
The Chairman, Okorie, stated this during a press conference at the party’s Secretariat located on Abakaliki/Enugu Expressway, Abakaliki, the state capital, on Tuesday.
“We have pieces of evidence on how Silas Onu fraudulently withdrew over N50 million from the party’s Access Bank account. He did it with one of the staff of the bank and we have directed for the arrest of Silas Onu and those he shared the money with.
“They shared it N10 million each among themselves. They did it and turned back to allege the contrary against us. This is broad-day robbery and we won’t take it,” Okorie said.
He continued, “The SEC received a memo for the ratification of the suspension of certain persons. The memo was based on the decision of the State Working Committee following a petition brought by one Okuri Eze Reuben of Akaezeukwu ward against the following persons: Barr. Ifeanyi Nworie; Mr. Nwoba Chika Nwoba; Barr. Mudiaga Erhenede; and Barr. Obinna Iteshi.
“The above-named persons are accused of infractions as outlined in Section 58 (1) of the constitution of the PDP 2017 as amended. The petitioner had also attached a sworn affidavit in support of his petition. The SEC unanimously approved and ratified the suspension for the period of one month as presented in the memo.
For the avoidance of doubt, Barr. Ifeanyi Nworie, Mr. Nwoba Chika Nwoba, Barr. Mudiaga Erhenede and Barr. Obinna Iteshi have been suspended from the party for a period of one month beginning July 4, 2022, in line with the extant provisions of the Constitution of the PDP.
“Accordingly, the suspended members are barred from every activity of the party during the period of the suspension. They have also been referred to the State Disciplinary Committee for further hearing on the petition. They are advised to avail themselves of the opportunity of the sittings of the Disciplinary Committee to defend themselves in line with the rules of fair hearing. Meanwhile all documents and properties of the party in their possession must be returned no later than Friday July 8, 2022.
“Allegations of financial impropriety against any person is libellous and I have briefed my solicitors accordingly. The matter is already before the court.”
The PUNCH reported that on May 23, 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered the reinstatement of Okorie as Chairman of the PDP in Ebonyi State and sacked Silas Onu, who was formerly the occupant of the position.
