SAN FRANCISCO, March 06, (THEWILL) – Workers at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have declared that they would not return to their duties until a full implementation of the court order given by the Appeal Court.
In a statement signed by all the workers in the secretariat, they declared that the workers are one of the major casualties of the power struggle revealing that a Number of men have spent 17 years of their working life striving to establish and grow the bureaucracy of the Party.
“They have witnessed their salaries wither away, receiving just about 32.50% of their 2015 salaries. Their housing, transport, and other allowances have all fallen into arrears with many members of staff thrown out of their accommodations by landlords,” the statement read.
“Members of Staff are desirous of resuming work after having been made victim of problems they never caused but are concerned about their safety.”
It will be recalled that crises began in the party in the last one year, when it became necessary for the North East geo political zone to nominate a replacement following the resignation of Dr. Adamu Muazu as National Chairman, shortly after the 2015 General Elections.
“THE choice of Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff had polarized the Party culminating in the May 21, 2016 Port Harcourt National Convention which dissolved the National Executive Committee of the Party and set up the National Caretaker Committee under the chairmanship of Sen. Ahmed Makarfi.
“This had been subject of many litigations with both sides experiencing victory at different times and levels culminating in the Appeal Court judgment that recognized Senator Sheriff and ordered the return to status quo ante MAY 21, 2016.
“The Sen. Makarfi group backed by the Board of Trustees, PDP Governors Forum, PDP National Assembly Caucus, Forum of PDP state Chairmen, former Governors Forum and former Ministers Forum, have since appealed to the Supreme Court and filed an injunction.
“Following the Judgment validating the National Convention by FHC in Port Harcourt, members of staff were requested to resume duty in May/June, 2016. They did so. In the few days we reported for work, we were harassed and intimidated by demonstrators and protesters.
“We were violently chased out of the offices, many had to run away leaving their personal belongings which we understand have now been vandalized by unknown persons.
“With the recent Appeal to the Supreme Court by the Makarfi leadership, the Board of Trustees has written a strong protest letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) against the re-opening of the Secretariat to avoid breakdown of law and order, a situation which again highlights the danger that staff will be exposed to if they resume duty as directed.
“This notwithstanding, when the Acting National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff resumed duty, we were taken aback to find out that the judgment of the court is being implemented in the breach.
“What we have seen is a situation where only three of the NWC members are working with the Acting National Chairman. These are:-
- Prof. Adewale Oladipo – National Secretary
- Alh. Bala Buhari – National Treasurer
- Alh. Fatai Adeyanju – National Auditor
“The truth is that four members of the National Working Committee cannot form a quorum for a valid NWC meeting to hold (Please, see part viii, Section 2(4) of the PDP Constitution, (2012 as amended) which states inter-alia: “The quorum of the National Working Committee shall be 2/3 of the membership drawn from at least 2/3 of the Zones in the country and a simple majority shall pass any motion”. 2/3 of the NWC members translate to 8 members drawn from 2/3 of the zones in the country as against what is obtainable presently.
“The situation is more frightening to us as staff in the light of the fact that those working with the Acting National Chairman are those handpicked through processes that are alien to the PDP Constitution. For example, Dr. Cairo Ojugboh, presently officiates as Deputy National Chairman when he was a candidate in the May 14, 2016 PDP Zonal Congress where he contested for the office of the National Vice Chairman, South South but lost to Hon. Emma Ogidi.
“The same untoward recruitment holds for Hon. Bernard Mikko from South South geo political zone who now operates as Acting National Publicity Secretary as against Chief Olisa Metuh who is from South East. Other similar anomalous recruitments suffice in other offices.
“Staff are afraid that again, seeds are being sowed for violent contestations that would endanger their lives and properties.
“In keeping with Schedule IV of the PDP Constitution, staff members hereby restates our loyalty to the organs of the Party and pledge our readiness to resume at the National Secretariat as soon as the decision of the Court of Appeal is fully complied with as regards the composition of the NWC or political solution is achieved or the Case is conclusively decided at the Supreme Court.
“This document is endorsed by the entire staff of the PDP National Secretariat.”
