PDP Seeks Peaceful End To Ortom, Suswam Rift

The Peoples Democratic Party has inaugurated a 17-man caretaker committee to take charge of the party’s affairs in Benue State.

The committee headed by Gen. Napoleon Bali (retd), was tasked with the responsibility of resolving the internal crisis in Benue PDP, especially the rift between ex-governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam.

The Benue PDP has been factionalised and engulfed in an internal crisis shortly after the ward congress leading to suspension and counter-suspension of party leaders.

A group loyal to Ortom, last week, slammed suspension on the Benue PDP Chairman, John Ngbede, the Secretary and Organising Secretary.

In a swift reaction, the party’s State Working Committee, loyal to Suswam, also slammed suspension on Ortom.

Ortom’s suspension irked his supporters who then summoned Suswam for probe over alleged anti-party activities.

Following the development, PDP National Working Committee ordered the dissolution of the State Working Committee members whose tenure had expired and resolved to constitute a caretaker committee to oversee the party in the state.

Inaugurating the caretaker committee on Wednesday in Abuja, the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, emphasised that the committee should prioritise the party’s interests above personal agenda.

“It is not a question of Ortom or Suswan, but by the grace of God. I, together with all these members of this committee, are going to unite them,” he said.

In his remarks, Damagum said, “Your duty is simple: to usher in a new executive during this ongoing congress. This is not an easy task, you must avoid sentiments, selfishness and taking all even though you come from various interests. 

"You must also put the party first, before your personal interest. Until you have a party in Benue, you will not be able to achieve in Benue. We have a daunting task.

"The only way to succeed is through getting the necessary support. The Chairman is going to Benue to help you achieve reconciliation, progress that has so far been retarded within the party in Benue."