Jonathan wades into Ebonyi PDP crisis, Elechi threatens journalists

President Goodluck Jonathan has waded into the crisis rocking the Ebonyi State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Jonathan on Tuesday held a five-hour closed door meeting with the state governor Martin Elechi, his deputy David Umahi, the governors of Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue and Jigawa States as well as Vice President Mohammed Namadi […]

President Goodluck Jonathan has waded into the crisis rocking the Ebonyi State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Jonathan on Tuesday held a five-hour closed door meeting with the state governor Martin Elechi, his deputy David Umahi, the governors of Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue and Jigawa States as well as Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim.

The Ebonyi chapter of the PDP had accused Elechi of anti-party activities before the state House of Assembly last Friday served him an impeachment notice for alleged gross misconduct.

Last December, former Health Minister Chukwu Onyebuchi, believed to be Elechi’s favourite, lost Ebonyi PDP gubernatorial primaries to Umahi, allegedly anointed by Anyim.

Elechi also crashed out of the PDP senatorial primaries and was recently accused of hobnobbing with the Labour Party.

Indications, however, later emerged that Tuesday’s meeting was inconclusive as Elechi declined talking to State House journalists, saying he was not in the Villa for any interview.

The visibly enraged governor raised his walking stick, threatening to break journalists’ tape recorders when they insisted on interviewing him.

But while addressing journalists later, Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam said the Ebonyi crisis was discussed, noting, however, that “we’re almost at the solution. The meeting ended amicably. I don’t think he (Elechi) stormed out of the meeting”.

Suswam also disclosed that the series of meetings Jonathan recently held with PDP stakeholders were to enhance the party’s chances in the coming elections.

The governor said the PDP had properly “calibrated” itself to win the elections, expressing confidence that nothing would stop it.