The internal rift within the Bayelsa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, with the party’s zonal secretariat taking control of the payment of allowances for the executives of Ogbia Ward 9.
This move follows a series of disagreements and sanctions that have further divided the party.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, George Turnah, the PDP Zonal Secretary, revealed that the zonal secretariat has assumed responsibility for the allowances of the Ogbia Ward 9 executives, with a significant increase in the payments.
Recall that the Chairman received N40,000 while other executive members earned N8,000 each.
Under the new arrangement, the Ward Chairman will now receive N100,000, the Vice Chairman N70,000, and the Secretary N50,000 monthly. The remaining 14 committee members will each be paid N30,000.
This development comes after the State Working Committee (SWC) imposed sanctions on the Ogbia Ward 9 executives for their refusal to suspend Turnah following his election as the zonal secretary.
In response, the executives had their allowances withheld, prompting the intervention of the zonal secretariat.
Turnah condemned the actions of the faction led by Solomon Agwanana, accusing them of establishing a rival leadership within the ward and funding them, while depriving the legitimate executives of their rightful allowances.
“The zonal secretariat will now be responsible for paying the monthly allowances of Ogbia Ward 9 Executive Committee members from February 2025 until the end of their term,” the statement read.
The zonal secretary further assured party members in Bayelsa that efforts were underway to restore order and strengthen the party, emphasising the commitment of the zonal leadership to reclaim the party’s integrity and ensure its success in the state. He added a message of hope, saying, “Joy is coming.”
