One-time Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Delta State, Chief Andrew Orugbo has been suspended by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ward 3 in Udu Local Government Area of the state.
Orugbo was slammed suspension alongside the acting chairman of Ward 3, Mr Ufuoma Sele over constitution breach and misconduct at a meeting of the ward held on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
The suspension of the duo is contained in a statement electronically sent to NewsNet Nigeria and endorsed by Rt. Hon Karo J. Goru, Commissioner DESOPADEC; Chief Emma Okiemute Eyakagba, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Community Development; Engr. Nelson Ukara Odien, formal SSA to the Governor; Hon Edwin Notoma, Leader; Hon. Joseph Choja, immediate past Councillor and former Chairmanship aspirants and Mr. Blessing Okoro, Leader.
Others who endorsed the suspension were Comrade Samuel Union,
Vice Chairman, now acting Chairman; Mr. Joseph Jefa, Ward secretary; Mr. Elohor Tomame, Youth Leader; Mr. Joseph Okoro, Councilorship candidate DSIEC Ward 3; Mr. Victor Sele, Councilorship candidate, DSIEC Ward 4; Mrs Gina Keletua, Auditor; Comrade Joseph Boyi Moha, former Ward Chairman; Mr. Tega Victory, Leader; Mr. Samuel Ogboru, Assistant Secretary and Mr. John Sele, formal Ward Secretary.
“This decision follows a series of actions that have tarnished the peace and harmony within our party.
“Chief Orugbo’s recent conduct, including his unwarranted attacks on party leadership at the state and local levels, as well as his involvement in unauthorized publications that undermine the integrity of our party, have necessitated this regrettable decision.
“Furthermore, his failure to utilize the internal dispute resolution mechanisms of the party and his propensity for litigious behavior have only exacerbated the situation.
“These actions directly violate the principles outlined in section 59(g) of the PDP Constitution, which explicitly prohibits unauthorized publicity of disputes within the party and behavior likely to cause discord among members. As such, Chief Orugbo’s conduct falls under the purview of sections (h), (k), and (l) of the PDP Constitution, making him liable for disciplinary action as stipulated in section 59(1).
“Mr. Ufuoma Sele, on his part, supported Chief Andrew Orugbo in committing the aforementioned offenses against the party. Consequently, it was resolved that she should be suspended along with his boss. Subsequently, the ward vice chairman is to act as chairman until the new executive members are sworn in.
“While it is never easy to take such measures, we believe that upholding the values and integrity of our party is paramount. We trust that this decision will serve as a reminder to all members that accountability and respect for party structures are essential for our collective success,” said the Udu PDP Ward 3 leadership.