By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
The Jigawa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received with profound shock and disappointment the news of the suspension of His Excellency, Sule Lamido, CON, a founding father of the great party, from the activities of the Board of Trustees (BoT).
This action, reportedly based on allegations of attending meetings that jeopardize party unity, is not only unjust but also a direct affront to justice, internal democracy, and the very reconciliation recently championed by the party’s leadership.
The Jigawa State chapter categorically stated that the pursuit of one’s legal and constitutional rights within the party cannot be construed as an act of disunity. For context, His Excellency Sule Lamido sought justice in court after being denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the National Chairmanship of the party.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, in a ruling by Justice Peter Lifu, found merit in his application, restraining the PDP from proceeding with its national convention until his right to contest was determined.
This suspension, therefore, appears to be a punitive measure against him for legally challenging an action deemed unjust by a court of law.
This decision by the BoT stands in stark and ironic contrast to the recent public commitments made by the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who emphasized reconciliation, admitted past mistakes, and appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness.
Senator Wabara specifically appealed to “all aggrieved members… to sheath their swords and return fully to the PDP family,” stressing that “the PDP must not be divided.”
The suspension of a founding member for seeking to exercise his rights is the very opposite of this espoused spirit of reconciliation and healing.
