Abia PDP suspends BOT chairman Wabara for endorsing Otti’s second term
The Abia state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has suspended the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees Adolphus Wabara, over anti-party activities.
The chairman of the party in the state, Abraham Amah, disclosed this to the State Executive Committee in Umuahia, the state capital on Tuesday.
He said Wabara was suspended for endorsing Governor Alex Otti for a second tenure barely five months into the governor’s administration in October 2023.
Amah said the party could not afford to be distracted by those who wear its badge but do not uphold the party’s values and as well, those who are quick to compromise, sabotage and betray the principles it stands for.
Amah cited a memo from the party’s State Treasurer, Chizurum Kalu, wherein he called for the suspension of the party’s BOT Chairman over unfounded statements.
He requested the State Executive Committee to invoke the relevant sections of the party’s constitution, particularly Section 57,58 and 59 on the erring BOT chairman, emphasising the need to ensure discipline among party members across the board, irrespective of status.
He said, “True leadership and progress require a dedicated and loyal team and not a crowd. The PDP needs individuals who understand the sacrifices necessary to reposition the party for electoral success and for the transformation of Abia State.
“According to the memo tendered by the state treasurer, the BOT chairman was accused of endorsing Governor Alex Otti for a second tenure, an action the memo outlined was inimical to the party.
“In moving a motion that was seconded by the State Organising Secretary, Obinna Okey, the State Treasurer requested that the BOT chairman be debarred from holding any party office and as well, suspended as the BOT chairman.”
The Abia PDP chairman called for the rebuilding of a strong and viable team that would not just occupy space but actively contribute to the advancement of the party and the development of the state.
“If you are in this party, be ready to stand for it, work for it and defend it. We do not need passengers, we need partners in progress.
“Our attention was drawn to a statement credited to Senator Adolphus Wabara, sometime in October and circulated on social media platforms and national dailies, wherein the said Senator threw caution to the wind and in a brazen display of sabotage to the Party, unilaterally endorsed the Labour Party Governor of Abia State, Gov Alex Chioma Otti, for a second term in office, barely five months after the inauguration and thereby, brought the party to disrepute, hatred and contempt, which he said is in violation to the provisions of Chapter 10, Article 58(c) and (f) of the Constitution of Party (2017 as amended) and therefore, liable to punishment under Article 59(1) of the party’s Constitution.
“Article 58(1) and Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) empowers the State Executive Committee (SEC), to discipline any member of the Party, who commits any offence(s) provided by the Party’s Constitution, irrespective of the members status, adding that the Party having considered the implications of Senator Adolphus Wabara’s acts of sabotage against the party, invoked the provisions of Articles 57(1),(2),(3), 58(1)(b) & (f) and 59(1) of the party’s Constitution (2017 as amended), against Senator Adolphus Wabara and thereby, placed him on one month suspension from party activities and also in compliance with the provisions of Articles 59(1) (e) & (f) of the party’s Constitution (2017 as amended), the Party debarred the former Senator from holding any party office and therefore, equally removed from office as BOT Chairman of PDP.”
The PDP state chairman said due to the immunity that covered the BOT Chairman from being sanctioned on disciplinary grounds by the State Executive Committee, the party made repeated outcries, demands and notices to show why disciplinary sanctions should not be meted on him.
He added that Wabara refused, failed and neglected to refute the said statement credited to him and circulated on social media and national dailies, since October 2023, even when his actions and inactions undermined the credibility of the PDP, demoralised party members/stakeholders, emboldened the opposition and as well, gravely constituted gross anti-party activity/conduct.
Meanwhile, the party constituted a seven-man disciplinary committee to investigate Wabara’s actions in line with the disciplinary procedures of the party, while urging members to reaffirm their commitment to the mission of the party, which is to reclaim their place and lead the state to greater heights.
