The Lagos State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ratified the suspension of its Chairman, Philip Aivoji, and his Deputy, Benedict Felix Tai.
OsunDaily News recalls that Aivoji and Felix-Tai were suspended by their Ward executives over alleged anti-party activities a few weeks ago.
However, Aivoji and his deputy are reportedly challenging their suspension in court.
The Lagos PDP, at a meeting on Tuesday, directed the Vice Chairman, West Senatorial District of the party, Sunday Olaifa, to take over as Acting Chairman pending the outcome of the court case.
The party also set up a seven-man Disciplinary Committee to investigate anti-party activities levelled against some leaders and members of the party during the last governorship election.
In a statement to journalists, the State Publicity Secretary, Hakeem Amode, said that the decisions were taken at a Working Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 25, to deliberate on saving the soul of the PDP in Lagos State.
According to Amode, the suspended Chairman and his deputy would not appear before the Disciplinary Committee but were asked to step aside to concentrate on their case in court.
He said the setting up of the disciplinary committee was in accordance with Section 57, Sub-section 1 & 2 of the Party constitution.
According to him, members of the committee are Chief Abayomi Kuye, who will serve as the Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Shodiya, Princess M.A Coker (Iya Ni Wura), Kayode Ariwayo, Femi Oluokun, Segun Oriyomi, and Barr. Esther Edesiri Egbi, Secretary.
He stated that the post-election Disciplinary Committee is expected to report back to the State Working Committee in one week.
Those in attendance at the meeting include Sunday Olaifa, Lagos West Vice Chairman, Hon. Agboola Akinpelu, Youth Leader, Hon. Hakeem Amode, State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ismail Olatunji, State Auditor and Hon. Adio Salami, State Organising Secretary.
Amode said: “The five members in attendance constitute the majority from the original 14 members that form the State Working Committee, among which three had decamped to the ruling party, reducing the membership of the State Working Committee to eleven.
“The embattled Chairman and his Deputy were part of the Eleven remaining members, and since they can’t adjudicate in their own case, only nine members were left to take decisions, and five members named above attended today’s meeting and ratified the above as stated.
“Please note that the action taken by the State Working Committee was done in accordance with the PDP constitution to rebuild and reposition PDP in Lagos State.”
