A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Segun Seriki, yesterday said ousted Ekiti State “Governor” Segun Oni had no right to preside over the purported caucus meeting of the PDP in the Southwest.
He described Oni’s conduct as “contemptuous, illegal and an affront on the rule of law”.
In a statement, Seriki said Oni’s action was illegal because he was sacked by the April 27 judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which nullified the PDP congress in the Southwest.
He drew the attention of the party’s national leadership and PDP chieftains in the Southwest to the consequences of allowing a man, who was sacked by a court of competent jurisdiction, to manage the party’s zonal affairs.
The statement reads: “I am at a loss as to why a man, who came third at the party primaries pre-2007 elections but was imposed by his godfather and yet could not win the election, presided over a meeting where the strategies to win back the Southwest were being discussed.
“It is all the more disappointing, given the fact that Oni had been removed as the Southwest PDP Chairman by the Federal High Court. That fact is incontrovertible.
“And since you cannot build something on nothing, whatever action and decision taken by Oni since April 27, 2012, including the decisions purportedly reached at the meeting, is illegal, null and void.
“I take solace in the fact that this development will be addressed at a more appropriate time and forum. It cannot stand the test of time and the law. At least, three of those who dared the courts have been convicted. Now, they are ex-convicts, whether they want to admit it or not.”
Seriki urged the PDP national leadership not to leave its affairs in the hands of people “with ulterior motives, who are bent on bringing the party to opprobrium by trampling on the rule of law, which is one of the cardinal principles of the present administration”.
He said: “All the posturing of Oni and his co-travellers are towards the 2015 elections, as their godfather has sworn never to support President Goodluck Jonathan should he throw his hat into the ring.
“All they seek to do is to float a separate structure, which they intend to use against the interest of Mr. President in accordance with the dictates of their godfather. That is their game plan.”
