Party reacts to workers’ N12bn embezzlement claims

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the recent outcry of its workers over plans to sack some of them and slash the salaries of others.

The PDP, via a statement released by National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, however said that it would not be deterred from taking the planned actions.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the NWC has been drawn to the unnecessary and unfortunate reactions of Junior, Intermediate and Supervisory members of Staff under the auspices of PDP Staff Welfare Committee in reaction to NWC directive on Re-Organization and Re-Structuring of the Party. The NWC also notes the steps by the Management Committee in the matter.”

“The NWC appreciates the concerns of all stakeholders of the Party and assures all members that it will not be deterred in its sworn responsibility to reposition, re-organize and re-structure the Party.”

“For the purpose of clarity, the process of staff re-organization is a sub-component of the reform process in the Party. Consequently, the NWC further affirms that the internal memo emanating from the Office of the National Secretary stands.”

“The NWC will not be deterred, blackmailed or cowed from taking objective steps necessary for sound political health, astute opposition and general re-organization of the Party.”

“NWC also assures all members and indeed Nigerians that finances of the Party have been handled in line with standard financial regulations governing political parties and the Constitution of the PDP.”

“Subsequently, as custodians of the PDP Constitution, the NWC will be guided by the provisions of the Constitution in dealing with all matters related to staff especially schedule iv (staff rules) of the 2012 Constitution as amended.”

The party’s plans had been conveyed to the workers via a memo released by the Office of the National Secretary.