Senator Chimaroke Nnamani of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu-East, Nigeria, has defied his alleged suspension by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
In a statement released on Friday, Senator Nnamani, a former governor of Enugu State, claims that the NWC lacked the power to suspend or expel him from the PDP. He argues that the NWC failed to comply with the provisions of the PDP Constitution when it suspended him, as it did not follow due process and he was not given the opportunity to be heard.
Senator Nnamani also claims that the NWC lacks the powers to entertain any question of discipline against him, including suspension or expulsion, according to Article 57(6) of the PDP Constitution. He argues that the meeting of 20 January, where the decision to suspend him was taken, was illegal and a nullity, and calls on the party to reconsider its action.
Senator Nnamani further states that a proposed disciplinary hearing of 8 February was illegal and that the committee inviting him had no powers under the party’s constitution to do so.
The Senator remains steadfast in his belief that he is still a member of the PDP, and will fight any attempt to expel him from the party.
