Senator Emmanuel Yisa Orker-Jev has condemned the complicity of the National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the ongoing crisis affecting the party, not just in Benue State but nationwide. He explained his absence from previous stakeholders’ meetings following the general election.
Speaking on September 26, 2024, at a Benue State PDP stakeholders meeting held at Halidays Hotel in Makurdi, Senator Orker-Jev stated that the crises within the PDP could have been avoided had the National Working Committee heeded his advice, as well as that of Senator Suswam and others. He expressed frustration that they often ignored these interventions. Orker-Jev questioned why the national body would accept a list from a congress that had not occurred, especially after they initially acknowledged the situation’s reality.
Regarding who should complete Ayu’s tenure, Orker-Jev mentioned the challenges he faces in convincing party leaders to support Suswam, noting that other Benue politicians are working to maintain the current leadership from the far north. He emphasized that Benue people recognize only Suswam and urged his colleagues and the factional body to abandon diversionary tactics and focus on Benue candidate.
He explained his decision to avoid party stakeholders’ meetings, citing his extensive experience in politics. He felt he could predict the outcomes of those meetings and preferred not to applaud falsehoods. While he apologized for any inconvenience his absence may have caused, he expressed his intent to re-engage now that the PDP is making efforts to correct its course. He urged loyal PDP members to remain calm and steadfast, despite pressure from factional leaders to withdraw legal action against the party.
Earlier, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, the event’s convener, affirmed his candidacy to complete Senator Ayu’s term and reported that he has reached out to all national stakeholders of the party.
Suswam clarified that he had not evicted anyone from the party secretariat, attributing ongoing disruptions to those pursuing their own agenda under the guise of the PDP. He also stated that any purported local government congress in Benue would ultimately fail.
Other party leaders, including Dr. Cletus Tyokyaa, Elder Cletus Upaa, and Hon. David Tsevende, expressed their support for Suswam and the PDP, asserting that Guma and Minda in general is knitted together for the united party’s progress. Upaa noted that the PDP had suffered due to power being given to undeserving individuals, but he remains hopeful for a new beginning.
High Chief Terngu Tsegba, member of the Board of Trustees, Mama Margaret Icheen, chairman Jemgbagh elders Baba Tsumba, and leaders from Zones A, B, and C unanimously called for the PDP to be rescued from saboteurs to provide viable options for Benue and Nigeria.
