The Peoples Democratic Party has suspended one of its prominent members, Senator Dino Melaye over alleged anti-party activities.
A letter by the party on Friday disclosed that the suspension was made by the ward party executive committee in Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1 after reviewing the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate Melaye’s actions.
It appears that Melaye’s recent actions were deemed detrimental to the PDP’s interests and unity, prompting the suspension.
The memo reads: “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.”
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,” the party says.
“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,” it read.
The party added that: “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.
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“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 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.
“We hereby summon you to appear before the disciplinary Committee in person or in company of your legal representative if you wish to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against you on the alleged breach of party constitution.
“You are by this summon mandated to appear before the seven (7, m8 committee between 26th and 31st August 2024 at 10am prompt.
“You may wish to communicate through writing to the panel when it is convenient for you to appear within the time frame.”
The party sent another letter dated August 31, 2024, to Melaye where the party noted that: “This is to remind you on the need to appear before the panel set up by the party.
“Recall that today being the 31st day of August is the last day for the panel to hear the allegation.
“The panel in her magnanimity has decided to extend the summons by another three (3) days, failure to appear will attract a disciplinary action.”
This move is not unprecedented, as the PDP has taken similar actions against other members accused of anti-party activities. For instance, Peter Babalola, a chieftain from Osun, was suspended in August 2024 for alleged anti-party activities and not attending party meetings for two years.
In another instance, former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, was also suspended by the Benue PDP over alleged anti-party activities.
Similarly, Senator Gabriel Suswam and others were summoned by the Benue PDP over alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities.
These actions demonstrate the PDP’s commitment to maintaining party discipline and unity. However, details of Melaye’s suspension are still emerging, and more information is expected to follow.
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