The major opposition party in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party has disclosed reason why that former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, cannot be sanctioned for alleged anti-party activities, citing that unless a formal petition is submitted with supporting evidence
According to the party’s The Deputy National Legal Adviser, Mr. Okechukwu Osuoha, who stated this on Monday while speaking in Abuja, said although a disciplinary committee has been established to investigate and address internal infractions, no action has been taken against any member so far due to the absence of officially filed complaints.
Osuoha added that while the party’s National Executive Committee has established a disciplinary committee led by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi, with Eyitayo Jegede as secretary, no member has been sanctioned to date.
“People often ask me specifically about the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike — why don’t we discipline him? Why don’t we take action? I tell them: It is not enough to merely say someone has committed an offence,” Osuoha stated, adding that that anyone accusing a party member must file a formal petition and be ready to testify and present evidence when the accused is summoned.
“When that petition is written and presented, the petitioner must also be ready to come and testify. If the person accused is invited, you must come with your evidence,” he said.
While stating that challenges facing disciplinary enforcement are not unique to the PDP but reflect broader systemic issues in Nigeria’s political and legal institutions, Osuoha emphasised that anyone accusing a party member must file a formal petition and be ready to testify and present evidence when the accused is summoned.
“When that petition is written and presented, the petitioner must also be ready to come and testify. If the person accused is invited, you must come with your evidence,” he said.
