Mass Resignation Hits  PDP over Ihedioha

*Members allege  leadership has refused to reform itself, form a new group*Party sets up caretaker committee for Imo

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The ripple effect of the resignation of a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, had further results in massive resignation of more members of the party in Imo State.
The aggrieved members, who claimed the party leadership was not disposed to reform, have however, formed a new political group known as rebuild Imo movement.

This, notwithstanding, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, has announced a caretaker Committee to take over the affairs of the party.
However, at a press conference addressed by Prof Jude Njoku, they said their decision to leave the PDP in the state was because of their leader, Ihedioha, who left the party and PDP leadership to effect reforms in the party.
According to the text of their press conference, they said, “The decision to leave the PDP was not easy for our great leader. The decision became necessary after deep reflection on the direction of the party.

“We are convinced that the time was right for us to join hands with other well-meaning citizens and groups in the effort towards engendering democracy and good governance in our dear nation.
“Following the resignation of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, an unprecedented number of leaders and members of the party in Imo State, have followed suit.
“The mass resignation of majority members of the PDP in Imo State, which is still unfolding, is an expression of total confidence on the leadership of Rt. Hon, Emeka Ihedioha, whose integrity and democratic credentials endeared him to Imo people across party lines.”
Those who had resigned from the party included, former governor, Air Commodore Dr. Luke Ochulor; former deputy governor, Gerald Irona, former ministers Charles Ugwuh, Chief Chuka Odom and BOT member, Chief Barr Chris Okewulonu.

Others were former NEC member of the party, Chief Henry Ekpe; former elected members of House of Representatives: Hon. ThankGod Ezeani, Hon Mayor Eze, Hon Uche Onyeagucha, Hon Ugonna Ozurigbo, Hon Obinna Onwubuariri and Hon. Jonas Okeke.
There were also the Chairman PDP elders committee, Prof Jude Njoku, Secretary PDP elders Committee, Prof. Obioma Iheduru, Members of the South East Zonal Executive Committee, Chief Stanley Ekezie, Chief Augustine Elochukwu, two senatorial candidates of the party in the last election, including Chief Emmanuel Okewulonu.

There were four House of Representatives candidates of the party in the last election including, Hon Chibuzo Agulanna, former speaker and deputy speaker of Imo House of Assembly, Hon Lawman Duruji, Hon Okey Onyekamma, 27 former LGA IMC chairmen and 291 IMC members, who served under the Ihedioha administration.

House of Assembly candidates in the last election including Sunny-Unachukwu Chukwuemeka John, the PDP candidate for Ikeduru State Constituency, and other top leaders and financiers of the party across the state, including 29 out of 39 members of the State Executive Committee.
Meanwhile, the. PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the NWC has, on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (as Amended in 2017), approved the composition of Imo State Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Imo State Chapter of the party.

He said the Caretaker Committee was charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the party for a period not exceeding 90 days (3 months) or untill a new Executive Committee is elected.
“The members of the Committee are Engr. Chidi Dike, who will serve as Chairman. Other members of the caretaker committee are Esther Aguwamba, Nnamdi Nsorom, Carl Nwoke Oma, Edith Nwachi, Uche Igbokwe, Bede Ejimadu, Gozie Nwachukwu, Chris Odoemena, Victor Diala, Njaka Uche and Clara Ugba Onyebuchi as members.

Also on the committee were Njaka Duruiheoma Emeka, Hon. Mike Okafor, Hon. Jeff NwachukwuMrs. Chinyere Okoro while, Ugorji Onuegb will serve as lember/secretary.