The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State chapter, has suspended the immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom and three other top party stalwarts for engaging in anti-party activities.
A statement signed by Hon. C T Hwande, Media Consultant of the PDP in Benue state, made available to newsmen on Monday indicates that the suspensions take effect from Friday, August 2nd, 2024.
Chief Samuel Ortom, member of the five PDP Governors who disagreed with the party and subsequently worked against the party’s flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election, was suspended for supporting the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 election and also urging Benue PDP members to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2027 Presidential election.
While Hon. Azua Ashongo was suspended for gross insubordination and indiscipline, Chief Isaac Mffo and Bemgba Iortyom were suspended for their involvement in the snatching of party congress materials during last Saturday’s ward congresses in Buruku and Ushongo local government areas.
The State Working Committee of the PDP took the decision to suspend the members after reviewing their actions, which were deemed detrimental to the party’s interests.
“During the Ward Congresses held on the 27 July, 2024 at the 276 Ward headquarters, you lead and abated the snatching of elcction materials at your various local governments resulting in the non-conduct of the congresses at
Buruku, Gboko, Ushongo, Guma, Tarka, Kwande, Ohimini local government area.
“These acts constitute anti-party activities. Consequent upon the above you are suspended for one month in the first instance and recommended to the State Disciplinary Committec for further adjudication.
“Those suspended are consequentiy:
H.E. SAMUEL ORTOM
HON. ISAAC MFFO
HON. AZUA ASHONGO
HON. BEMGBA IORTYOM.” The statement concluded.