Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party from Bayelsa State on Wednesday protested against an alleged expulsion move against leaders of the party in the state.
The PDP members warned the leadership of the party in Bayelsa State that the move could jeopardise the chances of the PDP in the 2016 governorship election in the state.
The PDP group, which briefed newsmen in Abuja under the aegis of “Save Bayelsa PDP Forum”, cautioned the party’s leaders against actions that could promote disharmony among the PDP family in Bayelsa State.
The group, led by Elder Pere Newman, specifically drew the attention of the national leadership of the PDP to what it called unhealthy developments in Bayelsa State PDP.
It could be recalled that the PDP in Bayelsa State on Tuesday set up a panel to investigate allegations of anti-party activities against Senator Emmanuel Paulker, particularly as it affected the performance of the party in the last elections.
The panel, which is headed by the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, was given two weeks to submit its preliminary report.
Other members of the panel include the PDP chairman in the state, Serene Dokubo Spiffy, who serves as the panel’s vice chairman; state Assembly Speaker, Hon. Kombowe Benson; and the Secretary to the State Government, Edmund Alison Oguri.
Newman stated: “We are by this forum drawing the attention of the national leadership of our great party (PDP) to certain ugly developments in the Bayelsa PDP.
“Just recently, an investigative panel was constituted to probe the alleged involvement of some PDP leaders in Bayelsa like Senator Emmanuel Paulker in anti-party activities during the just concluded general elections.
“The investigation is simply to create an opportunity to hit at political opponents of the governor, especially in 2016.
“That is why you saw that those appointed to serve in the committee were those who had stakes in the re-election of bid of Governor Seriake Dickson.
“The allegation of anti-party stems from the race for 2016 in Bayelsa.
“It is meant to weed out political opponents.
“This development is a source of worry to us because Senator Paulker has just been re-elected to the Senate and is being accused of having done anti-party in the last election in which he was a candidate.
“Although the committee was to look for evidence, we know that they that they are not looking for any evidence because they have made up their minds and are now back casting.
“If this type of thing is allowed to continue, it will have impact on the prospects of the PDP in the governorship election next year.
“That is our case.”