PDP panel calls for evidence against Amaechi

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  Africcon Report: PDP panel calls for evidence against Amaechi
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  The committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party leadership to investigate the alleged breach of the party’s constitution by the Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has called for memoranda from members of the party in the state.
  
  The party set up the committee headed by Chief Joe Gadzama (SAN) on May 27.
  
  The decision to suspend Amaechi was taken by the PDP National Working Committee members at the residence of the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur.
  
  A statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, had said the governor’s suspension followed his refusal to “obey the directive of the Rivers State Executive Committee to rescind his decision dissolving the executive of Obiokpor Local Government of the state.”
  
  However, it was gathered that Amaechi’s decision to run for chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, which he won, was the reason behind his suspension.
  
  Amaechi defeated Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State in the NGF poll with 19 votes against to 16.
  
  In the notice calling for memoranda signed by the committee’s secretary, Mr. Anicho Okoro, the committee said it needed such memoranda within seven days.
  
  The notice read, “The fact-finding committee on the alleged violation and breach of the PDP Constitution in the Rivers State chapter set up by the National Working Committee of the party, has since commenced work.
  
  “The terms of reference of the committee are to look into the allegations of anti-party activities levelled against Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and any other member of the state chapter of the party.
  
  “To determine the roles played, and the extent of involvement of Amaechi or any other party member acting independently or on his behalf in the violation and breach of the party constitution and make appropriate recommendations.
  
  “To receive and consider any documentary evidence or take oral testimonies from willing members of the PDP in proof or in defence of all or any of the allegations.
  
  “To make other recommendations that in the opinion of the committee would help to stop or minimise further violations of the party constitution and reposition the state PDP for greater successes in the future.
  
  “To do any other thing or take any other step that is incidental to or conducive to the attainment of the terms of reference and or in the overall interest of the party.
  
  “The committee shall submit its recommendations to the NWC within 30 days from the date of appointment.”
  
  Meanwhile, Amaechi, on Tuesday approached a High Court in Port Harcourt to restrain the state House of Assembly from removing him from office.
  
  Amaechi’s move come on the heels of the crisis rocking the party in the state.
  
  The Assembly is currently divided over the suspension of the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, Mr. Tomothy Nsirim and 17 councillors.
  
  Twenty-seven of the 32 members of the Assembly were suspended by the state PDP, a development that escalated the crisis in the party in the state.
  
  But Justice George Omereje adjourned the case till June 18, after a counter-motion was filed by the counsel for the State House of Assembly, Mr. Menike Ebete.
  
  Ebete, who spoke with newsmen after the court proceedings, explained that a counter-motion was filed by the lawmakers’ opposed to the Amaechi’s suit.