Extension of Makarafi’s tenure illegal, says Sheriff

Ali Modu Sheriff, factional chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described as illegal the extension of the tenure of the Ahmed Makarfi caretaker committee.

He said this in a statement issued on his behalf by Inua Bwala, his media aide.

The statement also said the decisions that were reached in Port Harcourt were null and void.

It said whatever decision taken at the national executive council (NEC) meeting could not stand as it contravened the party’s constitution.

“The said meeting breaches section 31, sub-section 4 of the PDP constitution,” it said.

“The section provides that it is only the national chairman who can convene a NEC, after giving two weeks’ notice to INEC.

“Even in an emergency situation, one week notice must be given to the national chairman, who has the sole responsibility to convene the NEC.”

It said it was sad that in the face of obvious disregard to court orders, which halted the convention, some individuals were bent on perpetrating impunity by taking steps to install another contraption on the party.

“The rule of law and constitutionality must prevail in all circumstances; as such, whatever decisions arrived at, is not binding and cannot stand in law,” the statement said.

The party had announced the extension of the tenure of the caretaker committee by 12 months.

The session was held by leaders and delegates of the party after a national convention scheduled in the Rivers capital was scuttled by security operatives.

Delegates to the convention arrived at the Sharks Stadium, venue of the event, and discovered that the place had been sealed and area condoned off by armed policemen and operatives.

The delegates also resolved that the caretaker committee membership should be increased to 13 from seven to enable it carry out its assignment effectively.