Panic is said to have gripped Delta State governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi’s faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, led by the State factional chairman, Mr. Kingsley Esiso over moves by the National chairman of the party, Ali Modu Sheriff to take over the party secretariat in Delta State.
HardReporters authoritatively learnt that the national body of the party through the state chairman, Mr. Austin Ogbagunor has served the Commissioner of Police in the state and the State command of the Department of Security Service (DSS), Asaba, a letter, notifying the security outfits of the party’s readiness to formally take over the state party secretariat in Asaba.
When contacted, the state Chairman of the party loyal to the Sheriff’s leadership, Mr. Ogbabunor confirmed to HardReporters their readiness to take over the state party secretariat. “We are taking it over but we have not formally moved into the secretariat.” adding that the process was been legally followed to remove the current illegal occupant.
The chairman hinted that they would take the secretariat over before the end of the week.
On whether if they have consulted the police, he said, “The IG will inform his men in the state and the Commissioner will do that, there will be no resistance. It is only one chairman we have and that is Sheriff, every other person will quit and we are all working together.” Ogbabunor stated.
Asked if the state chairman has a cordial relationship with the incumbent state governor, he said, “The governor of this state is a PDP man, the word faction was eliminated immediately the court gave its verdict.” the chairman said.
The state Secretary, Mr. Francis Onwudinjo, who aligned with the chairman said “What you heard is true”.
Contacted on phone, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Andrew Aniamaka said he has not been briefed of such a letter.
On his part, the state factional chairman loyal to the Makarfi’s leadership, Mr. Kingsley Esiso said, “I am not aware, my people are in the office right now, I am not aware.”
HardReporters gathered that the moves by the Sheriff’s leadership of the party to take over the state party secretariat has thrown the state governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa and other party members including the Esiso led faction off balance.
