Minority Leadership Crisis: Chinda, Muraina, Barde, Onyema to face Ethics C’ttee

The minority leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus of the House of Representatives on Wednesday took another twist as the House directed its Ethics and Privileges committee to investigate Kingsley Chinda for impersonating the minority leader.

The committee also has the mandate to probe Chukwuma Onyeama, Yakubu Barde and Muraina Ajibola that emerged as PDP leadership candidates during the minority leadership imbroglio.

The motion was promoted by Ben Igbakpa during plenary.
Igbakpa who barely a week ago secured victory at the Appeal Court in his motion accused Kingsley Chinda of impersonating the minority leadership.

Igbakpa in his submission stated that the four individuals “issued a press statement on behalf of the PDP caucus, parading themselves as minority caucus leaders.

The matter was referred to the committee on ethics and privilege by the Presiding Officer, Idris Wase.

Chinda in a swift reaction said that he is the recognized leader of the PDP caucus.
Chinda said that he has the mandate of the PDP to lead his members.

Hear him: I am the PDP Caucus leader in the House with the authority and consent of the party.

PDP is a registered Poitical Party and a creation of Law and not the Rules of the House. PDP has its leaders in units, communities, amongst students, traders, Professionals and parliamentarians. These leaders are recognised by the party as such.

I have the mandate of the PDP to act as its Leader in the House.
Other minority parties are free to have their caucus leadership. I don’t see how that offends the Rule or law of the House or the constitution.

Recall that all the minority principal officers in the House were suspended by the party after the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila threw the directive of the party into the garbage.
His Senate counterpart , Ahmad Lawan duly respected the directive of PDP and allowed Eynnaya Abaribe to lead the opposition.