Abuja – Chimaroke Nnamani, senator representing Enugu west senatorial district, has kicked against his suspension by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On Friday, the PDP national working committee (NWC) suspended Nnamani and eight others over alleged anti-party activities.
Others suspended along with Nnamani are Ayeni Funso -(Ekiti North),
Ajijola Lateef Oladimeji (Ekiti Central), Emiola Adenike Jennifer -(Ekiti South II), Ajayi Babatunde Samuel (Ekiti North II),
Olayinka James Olalere (Ekiti Central), Akerele Oluyinka -(Ekiti North I) and
Fayose Oluwajomiloju John, (Ekiti Central I), a son of former Governor Ayodele Fayose.
They were all suspended for engaging in anti-party activities.
The suspension which was carried out by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP was made known in a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja, on Friday.
“After a very extensive review and consideration of the affairs of our Party in the country, pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) approved the suspension of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu State) and Chief Chris Ogbu (Imo State) with effect from today, Friday, January 20, 2023, over allegations of anti-party activities.
“The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party across the country to remain united and focused on the mission of our Party to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from misrule,” Ologunagba said.
However, in a statement, issued Saturday morning, Nnamani said his suspension came to him as a “rude shock and huge surprise”.
The Senator said he was not informed of any petition filed against him.
Nnamani said he was not invited by the PDP NWC to respond to such a query, adding that his suspension was a violation of the party’s regulations and the provisions of the 1999 constitution.
“Earlier tonight, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP, suspending me from the party,” the tweet reads.
“I have since been inundated with telephone calls and messages from various persons, seeking my clarification on the matter.
“Just like every other person, the decision and announcement of my purported suspension from the PDP came to me as a rude shock and a huge surprise.
“I was never at any time notified of any petition or complaint against me or informed of the grounds that formed the decision of the NWC of the PDP to suspend me from the party.
“I was not also invited to any meeting, proceeding, or hearing of the NWC of the party where my supposed offense (s) was/were discussed.
“I was, therefore, not afforded the opportunity to make representations on my behalf at any meeting where the proposal and decision to suspend me from the party was made.
“My right to a fair hearing was consequently violated against the clear provisions of the Constitution of the party, especially in disciplinary proceedings. More importantly the Superior Constitution of the FRN,” he said.
The federal lawmaker asked his supporters to “remain calm and law-abiding while we continue our campaign to a hopefully victorious conclusion.”
