PDP kicks out Gov. Wamakko

Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko was kicked out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – temporarily – for alleged insubordination.

He is the second governor elected on the platform of the party to be suspended. Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi was last month asked to stay away from the activities of the party. The PDP cited Wamakko’s “repeated breaches and disregard” for the party’s constitution as the reason for its action.

National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh declared the governor suspended in a statement he issued last night. Metuh said the decision was taken at the 338th meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held same day.

The ruling party said Wamakko had repeatedly ignored invitations and lawful directives by its NWC, showing apathy to the party’s affairs and contempt for an organ of the party. Metuh said: “Consequent upon the refusal of the governor to honour yet another invitation by the NWC to appear before it today, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 without any reason, the Committee, in exercise of the powers conferred by Articles 57 (3), 57 (7), 58. 1(c ),(h), (f) and 59 (1),(2), hereby suspends the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, as a member of the party and refers the matter to the appropriate disciplinary committee of the party.

“This is in furtherance of the determination of the leadership of the party to enforce discipline at all levels within the party”

Apparently overwhelmed by inquiries as to why the Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamako was suspended from the party, the ruling PDP Thursday offered an explanation as to why they took the action, insisting the decision was taken after a wide and exhaustive consultation and in accordance with the provisions of the party’s consultation.

The party also said that the suspension of the governor had nothing to do with the controversial Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), stating also that no individual within the party should be seen to be above the party.