By Ovie Okpare
The immediate past deputy speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Osanebi, has been suspended from the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Osanebi, who represents Ndokwa-East State Constituency in the State Assembly, was suspended by the state leadership of the party over allegations capable of cause disaffection and breakdown of peace among party members.
A statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, announced the lawmaker’s suspension.
However, independent investigation by NIGER DELTA TODAY Online revealed that the former deputy speaker was suspended following fallout from the last PDP congress in the state where he lost out especially in his constituency.
It was learnt that Osanebi, one of the youngest lawmakers in the state was alleged to have rejected the outcome of the congress.
Following the outcome of the congress, the lawmaker is alleged to be having cold war with the Olorogun Kingsley Esiso-led State Working Committee (SWC) and some leaders of the party from his constituency over the manner he was schemed out of the congress.
He was alleged to be secretly mobilizing against the re-election of the embattled state chairman of the party, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso.
Several sources who confirmed the cold war between Osanebi and some leaders of the party noted that “Former Deputy Speaker is angry over the manner the last congress of the party in the state was conducted. Despite his position, he completely lost out in the last congress from ward to LGA levels.
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“Those he was rooting for to emerged as exco of the party both at the ward and LGA levels of the congress did not win. Almost all the leaders particularly from his Ukuwani speaking Federal Constituency worked against him.
“They know he is very popuar among the people especially youths because of empowerment and philanthropic gesture. Many people can testify to his popularity on social media and how he built houses and buy cars for his aides. What played out during the congress was a grand plan for 2023 now that he is scheming for House of Representatives.”
Other sources within the party disclosed that there were rumours that Osanebi was also plotting to dump the party over the way he was treated during the congress for an opposition party where he is expected to build a formidable structure for 2023 ambition.
Meanwhile, the state leadership of the party while announcing his suspension, noted that a seven-man disciplinary committee led by a former House of Representatives member, Barr. Lovette Idisi would be inaugurated next week Monday.
The statement said, “The State Working Committee of the Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby, announces the suspension of the member representing Ndokwa-East State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi.
“The suspension, which is for an initial period of one month, commences with immediate effect.
“This action has become necessary as a result of reported acts and allegations against RT. HON. FRIDAY OSANEBI which are potentially inimical to the peace and harmony of the party and tantamount to causing discord and disaffection among loyal party members.
“The matter will be referred to the State Disciplinary Committee.”
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The disciplinary committee has as its members; Rt. Hon., Barr. Lovette Idisi (Chairman), Rt. Hon., Barr. Evelyn Oboro (Member), Chief, Hon. Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo (Member), Deacon Moses Iduh (Member), Chief Julius Takeme (Member), Barr. Andrew Orugbo (Member) and Barr. Bridget Anyafulu – (Secretary).
“The State Disciplinary Committee shall be inaugurated by 12noon on Tuesday, 16th June, 2020 at the PDP State Secretariat, Asaba.
“We advise all party members to remain law-abiding as always”, the statement further added.
Efforts by NIGER DELTA TODAY Online to get response from the suspended Hon. Osanebi proved abortive as calls and SMS sent to his telephone line were not picked nor responded to even as at the time of filing this report.
