PDP: Wamakko Was Suspended for Insubordination

Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko

Obviously overwhelmed by inquiries as to why the Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, was suspended by the party, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Thursday said the disciplinary action was taken due to insubordination on the part of the governor.

This is just as the Sokoto State chapter of the party, Chairman of the PDP North-west zone and Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) have expressed outrage over Wamakko’s suspension and warned that by the action, President Goodluck Jonathan might lose the sympathy of the north.

Confirming THISDAY’s report thursday that the governor’s suspension had to do with his repeated refusal to respond to queries and honour the invitation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) over a comment he had made shortly after the establishment of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the party said the decision was taken after wide and exhaustive consultations and in accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

The party also said that the suspension of the governor had nothing to do with the controversial Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), adding that his infractions predate the election at the forum and no member of the party should be seen to be above the party.

But THISDAY gathered that Wamakko's travails might also not be unconnected with his support for the Rivers State Governor, Chubuike Amaechi, during the NGF election.

“The NWC hereby restates that no individual or group within the party is, and must not be seen to be above the constitution and lawful organs of the party. All party members are under the rule of the constitution of the party and must so abide,” the party said.

PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh, said it wanted to set the records straight on the reason for the governor’s suspension.

According to the statement, “The decision to suspend His Excellency, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko came after very wide and exhaustive consultations, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the PDP and in the overriding interest of the party.

“It is important to note that the reason for the suspension of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko predates the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s election.

“Sometime in early April, the leadership of the party was concerned over the statements and conduct of the governor, whereupon the national chairman placed several calls to draw the attention of the governor to the matters concerned.”

“However,” the party said in the statement, “It was not possible for the national chairman to speak with the governor despite several attempts. The national chairman thereafter vide a letter dated 12th April 2013 requested an explanation to the NWC within seven days.

“Instead of replying the National Chairman, Governor Wamakko directed the Sokoto State secretary of the party, Mallam Aminu Bello Sokoto to reply the national chairman.

“The state party secretary, in a letter dated April 14, 2013 and on the official letterhead of the Sokoto State Government House, replied the national chairman on behalf of the governor.

“This amounted to gross disrespect and an act of insubordination to a national officer and a lawful organ of the party which is in violation of Articles 58.1 (c), (h) and (m) of the PDP constitution which prescribes sanctions for any member who ‘disobeys or neglects to carry out the lawful directives of the party or any organ or officer of the party; engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party; and fails, refuses  or neglects to treat a petition, complaints or appeal timorously.’