PDP Ratifies Suspension Of Former Abia Rep

Peoples Democratic Party membership of the former member representing Ukwa federal constituency at the National Assembly, Nkem Abonta has suffered a second blow barely one week after the first.

This followed the ratification of his suspension by Ukwa East local government chapter of the party after he had been suspended by the executive committee of his Akwete/Ohandu ward for antiparty activities.

This was contained in a communique signed by the chairman of the chapter, Okechi Nwaohu and the acting secretary, Nwachi Amaobi among others and made available to LEADERSHIP Sunday in Umuahia, the state capital, after a meeting.

The 12-point communique said the ratification was sequel to investigation and report of the 7-member disciplinary committee of the chapter chaired by Israel Bethel with Ugwumba Adiele as secretary.

It said the suspension of the former legislator was carried out in compliance with the party’s constitution “and therefore upheld and ratified by the local government chapter.”

It further said Abonta, who served for 16 consecutive years on the platform of the now opposition party in the state until the 2023 general election, “remains suspended from the party till further notice.”

The chapter appreciated the leadership style of the state chairman of the party, Asiforo Okere saying he does not in any way interfere with the running of the affairs of either the chapter or the wards.

“We thank the member representing the constituency, Chris Nkwonta for his laudable strides, quality representation and remarkable achievements within his short period in the Green Chambers,” the communique added.

The ward’s executive committee had alleged factionalisation of the party in the ward, subjecting the party to court litigations without recourse to its internal mechanism of settling conflicts and disputes against Abonta.

It also accused him of publicly accepting the appointment of and serving as the deputy director-general of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in the state during the election.

“Abonta refused to hand over the motorcycle given to the ward chairman, Emeka Akparanta by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and failed to pay his party dues for several years now,” it added.