By our Reporter
The Kogi State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its former governorship candidate in the state, Senator Dino Melaye, over alleged anti-party activities.
Melaye’s was announced in a memo dated September 12, 2024, by the executive committee of the party in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1.
The memo read, “Ward Party Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ayetoro/lluagba ward 1 met on Friday the 12th of September 2024 to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti party activities against Senator Dino Melaye, a member of our great party.”
According to the party, Melaye was invited to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the party on August 20, 2024 to answer to certain allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities, in line with the provisions of Article 57(4), of the PDP Constitution.
“However, he failed to show up, disregarding the invitation and the authority of the party.
“After careful consideration and deliberation, the Ward Party Exco resolved as follows: That Senator Dino Melaye’s failure to appear before the Disciplinary Committee constitutes a gross disrespect to the party and its leadership.
“That his actions are in clear violation of the PDP Constitution and the principles of party discipline.
“That Senator Dino Melaye’s conduct has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party, and his continued membership is no longer tenable.
“Therefore, the Ward Party Exco hereby suspends Senator Dino Melaye from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately.”
“This suspension is in line with the provisions of Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution, which empowers the Ward Party Exco to take disciplinary actions against erring members.
“We urge all members of our great party to remain committed to the principles of party discipline and loyalty.
“We must work together to build a strong and united party, capable of winning elections and serving the interests of our people,” the party added.
Similarly, the disciplinary committee in a letter addressed to the ward chairman and dated September 9, 2024, said, “Consequent upon the refusal of Sen. Dino. Melaye to appear in person or through his legal representation, and having been issued summons which was subsequently followed by a reminder and extension of time to appear, the panel wished to recommend his immediate suspension from the party subject to the approval and ratification of the ward executive of the party.”
The members of the panel were Owonibi Babarinde, as chairman, Asaju Earnest Ade, as Secretary, Ireti Alyejiwa, as a member, Omolade Esho, member, Eniola Olorunfemi, member, Mukala Ismail, member, Olowo Ruth, member.