The Tsauri ‘A’ Ward Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the suspension of the former National Secretary of the party, Senator Umar Tsauri.
The position of the committee was announced in a suspension letter signed by the ward chairman, Danjume Abubakar.
A copy of the letter, which was addressed to Mr Tsauri, was issued to journalists in Katsina on Sunday.
The committee said the decision was taken at its September 14 sitting, and now pending the outcome of the disciplinary committee set-up to investigate Mr Tsauri on a series of allegations.
Mr Tsuari was accused of anti-party activities, unguarded utterances against the national leadership of the party, actions and associations capable of embarrassing and bringing the party to disrepute.
According to them, the suspension was in line with the provision of article 59 (1) of the PDP constitution which empowers ward party executives to take disciplinary action against erring members.
The committee further said: “We urge all members of our great party to remain committed to the principles of party’s discipline and loyalty.
“We must work together to build a strong and united party capable of winning elections and serving the interest of our people,” the committee added.
In his reaction, spokesman of the party in the state, Mr Lawal Audi-Yar’adua, noted the receipt of the suspension letter from the senator’s ward.
He disclosed that the party had set-up a committee to investigate the allegations levelled against the senator, saying that no matter the status of any member, the party would abide by the provisions of the constitution in dealing with its members.
In his response, Mr Tsauri said the ward and state chapters of the party lacked the constitutional powers to suspend him without following due process.
According to him, “I was not issued with any suspension letter, I only saw it going round on social media written to the party Chairman, Kurfi Local Government.”
He explained that the party has its rules and regulations, “and before action is taken against any member, certain processes have to be followed.”
Recall that the PDP in Katsina is divided into two factions, with one led by Mr Tsauri and Dr Mustapha Inuwa, the former Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign director.
While the other faction is being led by Mr Lado Danmarke, the PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections.
(NAN)
