Johnson Babajide – Makurdi
Benue State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday levelled accusation against one of the party stakeholders, Terzungwe Atser for threatening some of the Igyorov council ward executives that suspended the national chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
It will be recalled that 13 of the 17 Igyorov ward executives signed the suspension letter of the national chairman who was later ordered by court to stop parading himself as the party’s national chairman.
In a statement issued by the state publicity secretary, Bemgba Iortyom and made available to newsmen in Makurdi alleged that Atser had been threatening those who signed the suspension letter.
But Atser has described the allegations against him as ‘untrue’.
The PDP had alleged, “Terzungwe Atser, a former Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) is believed to be aggrieved by the role of the said Igyorov ward executives following their suspension of National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s membership of the party on allegations of anti-party activities.
“Benue PDP states that the crisis which has been lingering in the national leadership of the party for some time now is most unfortunate and does not bode well for its growth going forward from the regrettable outcome of the 2023 elections.
“We, however, believe in the party’s well-tested mechanisms for resolving its internal disputes, being they all civil and in line with its charter and character as a law-governed democratic institution.
“The emergence of Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as Acting National Chairman of the party following the exit of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu from the office attests to its proven ability to amicably resolve matters without resort to violence of whatever kind as an option.
“We, therefore, caution Terzungwe Atser to desist from threatening any official or member of the party as to do so is not only a breach of the PDP constitution but also amounts to criminality which is punishable under Nigerian law.
“PDP values its officials and members alike and will do everything within its powers to protect and defend them from both internal and external aggression, intimidation and harassment.”
In a swift response, Atser in a text message reacting to the allegations said, “The allegation is not true. I am a peaceful person and I always preach peace; so I cannot be seen to be involved in such”.
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