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Expresses Concern over Rift between Damagum, Ologunagba
- Safiu Kehinde
Former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, has broken silence over the leadership crisis rocking the party.
Metuh, in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, expressed concern over the party’s crisis.
Reacting to the PDP Acting National Chairman’s, Umar Damagum, disapproval of the press conference held on Sunday by the party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, over the upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Metuh warned that the development is capable of bringing the party into great disrepute.
NPO Reported that Damagun had faulted Ologunagba’s statement that the party can conduct the NEC meeting without the approval of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the commission’s rejection of the PDP’s letter.
Damagun, in his statement issued on Monday, labelled Ologunagba’s claim as his personal opinion and not the official position of the party, adding that the spokesperson made the statement without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC).
This, according to Metuh can tarnish the credibility and authenticity of the party’s future statements before the public and the media.
“Since I left the Peoples Democratic Party (@OfficialPDPNig) over three years ago, I have refrained from commenting and/or discussing partisan politics. However, my heart bleeds when I read about the present happenings in this party formed and birthed, largely by the famed G34 as bastion of democracy and of hope for the Nigeria people
“I just read that the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum publicly denied the press interactive session addressed by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba.
“I do hope this is fake news at work. Otherwise, this is an act capable of bringing the party into great disrepute, and this is a cardinal offence against the party’s constitution.
“Besides, how can the press and the public continue to believe future statements from the party’s National Publicity Secretary.” the ex-PDP spokesperson wrote.
While recalling his contribution to the party, Metuh charged the PDP and other opposition parties to remain strong and act as credible opposition platforms.
“Yes, it remains my concern because this is a party that I gave the best part of my youth and middle age. I served the party at the national level from the age of 33 for an interrupted 17 years as an elected member of the National Executive Member.
“We need the PDP and other parties to remain strong and act as credible opposition platforms to help strengthen and deepen our democracy. Nigeria deserves a democracy where policies and programmes will be debated openly, and options and alternatives proffered by all interests.” He added.