Party suspends Omisore, Kashamu, 10 others
From Clement Adeyi, Osogbo
At a time when there appears to be a glimpse of hope for the stability in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, following a string of court judgments this week, a fresh crisis that may again bring the party to its knees has broken out in at least two states.
As a result, the Ogun State chapter of the party has announced the suspension of one of its major financiers and at least six other key members. Affected members are Buruji Kashamu, Bayo Dayo, Pegba Otemolu, Semiu Shodipo, Fatai Adeyanju, Segun Seriki, Daisi Akitan, and Bowale Solaja. While the party was announcing the suspension in Abeokuta, the Osun state chapter also simultaneously slammed its own suspension on its major financier, Senator Iyiola Omisore and four other leaders.
Justifying the sack of Mr. Kashamu who is a serving Senator, the party said in statement signed by state chairman and secretary, Sikirulai Ogundele and Olabode Bankole, that the suspension was sequel to the report of a panel constituted in June to investigate allegations of financial improprieties and anti-party activities against the seven members.
The statement said the accused persons refused to honour several invitations by the panel to respond to allegations of misapplication and outright diversion of party funds.
“Based on the preliminary report of the panel however, submitted to the Executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ogun State Chapter, we found merit in the allegations and hereby adopt the report and findings of the Panel which include recommendation to suspend the above mentioned,” the statement said.
“In the exercise of the powers vested on the State Executive committee in accordance with the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party the above name are hereby suspended from the Ogun State Chapter of the PDP with immediate effect; their names have also been forwarded to the national secretariat of the party for necessary further appropriate disciplinary actions.”
In Osun, the party in a statement jointly signed by the state Chairman, Hon Soji Adagunodo and the Secretary, Prince Bola Ajao said the party accused the former Senator of activities capable of further dividing and weakening the party.
According to them, “For engaging in anti party activities and constituting illegal parallel executives in Local governments in Osun state as well as decimating the membership of the PDP in the state, Osun state chapter of the PDP has suspended Senator Iyiola Omisore and four other members of the party.”
The statement was issued after the State Executive Committee meeting of the party held at the Party Secretariat Biket Junction , Osogbo yesterday.
The statement said the state executive committee received recommendation for suspension from their various wards to local governments and senatorial district, to suspend the following party members : Dr Bayo Faforiji, Sen Iyiola Omisore, Rev Bunmi Jenyo, Chief Ojo Williams and Hon Bade Falade.