The South South Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) convened on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Benin City, Edo State.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was announced in a communique signed by Arch. Ekom Akonjom, the Zonal Organizing Secretary.
The meeting was well attended, and members deliberated on issues of utmost importance affecting the party within the zone.
According to the statement; ZEC ratified the establishment of a Zoning Committee, which had been set up by the Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) on January 30, 2025.
The committee, chaired by Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, was tasked with ensuring an equitable distribution of party offices within the zone ahead of the 2025 Zonal Working Committee elections.
The zoning formula proposed by the committee was approved, with key positions distributed across the states in the region.
The position allocation include; Edo State as Chairman, Cross River State as Zonal Secretary and Youth Leader, Delta State as Treasurer, Rivers State as Financial Secretary and Publicity Secretary, Akwa Ibom as Legal Adviser and Woman Leader.
ZEC also approved that the 2025 Zonal Elective Congress will take place in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 22, 2025.
To ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process, the Zonal Working Committee was mandated to oversee the necessary arrangements for the congress, which will usher in new leaders for the party in the zone for the next four years.
Additionally, the Zonal Secretary, Chief Felix Omemu was suspended over allegations of misconduct.
The committee cited Articles 47 (6), 57 (1-3), and 58 (1)(a) of the PDP Constitution, which outline disciplinary measures for party officials found guilty of misconduct.
ZEC established a Disciplinary Committee to investigate the allegations and submit its findings to the Congress for further deliberation and necessary action.
George Turnah (MON) Esq was appointed as Acting Zonal Secretary, pending the outcome of the disciplinary committee’s investigations.
His appointment took effect immediately, and he was sworn in by Chief Dan Orbih, with the oath of office administered by Rt. Hon. Prince Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member of the PDP Board of Trustees.
The meeting, presided over by the Zonal Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, was attended by stalwarts and leaders of the Party, including several members of the Zonal Executive Committee.
Notable attendees included the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Senators, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives Speakers.
The meeting was also attended by Principal Officers of State Houses of Assembly, such as Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule of Rivers State, members of the PDP Board of Trustees, present.
Other attendee officers are former members of the National Working Committee from the zone, State Chairmen, Secretaries, Treasurers, Youth Leaders, and Women Leaders of State chapters across the zone, amongst others.
