PDP BoT saves Secondus, rejects interim exco

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees on has opposed moves to sack the Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee and replace it with an interim caretaker committee.

The trustees at a meeting on Thursday presided over by their Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, insisted that Secondus should be allowed to complete his tenure which would soon end.

They reportedly faulted what they termed as uncomplimentary remarks by some party leaders, including the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, against the NWC.

The board, according to sources, also berated Secondus over his handling of crises in some state chapters of the party.

The national chairman was battling to retain his position as Wike spearheaded moves to ensure his removal before the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and the national convention.

According to the report, Secondus’ opponents reasoned  that the national chairman would install his loyalists as members of the convention committee thus paving the way for his re-election.

It was alleged that Tuesday’s resignation of seven members of NEC was part of the moves to oust the national chairman and set up a caretaker committee, which would organise the next national convention.

At Thursday’s BoT meeting, it was learnt that the seven NEC members, who resigned, were asked to withdraw their resignation.

Findings also indicated that members insisted that Secondus should be allowed to end his tenure.

It was gathered the meeting, which was held behind closed doors, afforded party leaders the opportunity to speak frankly to one another.