Like APC, Crisis Rocks PDP Over Principal Officers
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday dissociated itself from the process that threw up the minority principal officers.
PDP confirmed that it forwarded to the Speaker names of its nominees for the positions.
The principal officers are Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Leader David Umahi, Chief Whip Ali Ndume, Deputy Whip Lola Ashiru, Minority Leader Simon Mwadkwon, Deputy Minority Leader Oyewunmi Olalere, Minority Chief Whip Darlington Nwokeocha and Deputy Minority Whip Rufai Hamga.
A party source said the senators did not involve the party in the process that threw up Mwadkwon and Olalere.
The official said the party leadership received the news of Mwadkwon and Olalere’s emergence from the media.
According to him, the Monday meeting between the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the 36 senators at PDP national secretariat, did not take any decisions on the matter.
He said: “So, the senators requested that we give them time to discuss among themselves and that they would get back to the leadership of the party in real-time.
“The next thing we heard was the announcement of the names of the minority leaders. We had no input in it. It’s their decision.”
The source added: “The NWC received a letter today (yesterday) stating that it was the Northcentral that nominated Mwadkwon. But we all know that it’s outside the purview of any zone to nominate principal officers.”
When asked if the party would sanction the senators, the official said there was no offence committed.
Mutfwang hails Mwadkon
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed joy over the choice of the Senator representing Plateau North District, Mwadkwon as Senate Minority Leader.
A statement by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs said Mutfwang received the news with jubilation.
Mutfwang thanked the PDP leadership and its caucus at the National Assembly for trusting Mwadkwon and prayed for greater collaboration in the interest of Nigeria.
PDP senator faults APC
A PDP chieftain, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, applauded the choice of the principal officers.
Ohuabunwa also faulted the APC chairman, who distanced himself from newly appointed officers.
Speaking on Channels Television, Politics Today, the senator, who represented Abia North, said the emergence of the leadership was good for democracy.
He said the APC chairman’s outburst was unfortunate, adding that it was not within the party’s right to handpick the leaders of the National Assembly.
Ohuabunwa said: “I am surprised that the leadership of the APC led by a Senator has really made that kind of statement.”
