On Wednesday the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, inaugurated a 17-member caretaker committee to oversee its affairs in Benue State.

The committee, led by retired General Napoleon Bali, has been tasked with addressing internal conflicts within the Benue PDP, notably the dispute between former governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam.

The Benue PDP has faced significant factionalism and turmoil since a recent ward congress, which led to the suspension and counter-suspension of key party leaders. 

Last week, Ortom’s faction suspended Benue PDP Chairman John Ngbede, along with the Secretary and Organising Secretary. In response, Suswam’s faction suspended Ortom.

This ongoing conflict escalated, with Ortom’s supporters calling for an investigation into Suswam for alleged anti-party activities.

Amidst these disputes, the PDP National Working Committee intervened, dissolving the State Working Committee and establishing a caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs in the state.

At the inauguration of the caretaker committee in Abuja, PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum emphasized the importance of prioritizing the party’s interests over personal agendas. 

He expressed confidence in the committee’s chairman to apply his conflict resolution skills, highlighting his background as a retired general.

While accepting the charge, Bali said he would be impartial, saying, “It is not a question of Ortom or Suswan, but by the grace of God. I, together with all these members of this committee, are going to unite them.”

In his remarks, Damagum said, “Your duty is simple, to usher in a new executive during this ongoing congress. This is not an easy task, you must avoid sentiments, selfishness and taking all even though you come from various interests. You must also put the party first, before your personal interest. Until you have a party in Benue, you will not be able to achieve in Benue. We have a daunting task.

“We all know the crisis there, that led to our bad outing during the last election and I am sure we should use this opportunity and you to correct that anomaly that made us lose that state, which is predominantly a PDP state.

“I am very happy with the selection of the chairman to lead the committee and enjoin, all of you to give the support he needs. The only way to succeed is through getting the necessary support. The Chairman is going to Benue to help you achieve reconciliation, progress that has so far been retarded within the party in Benue.

“You must work for an inclusive executive for the state. In any party, you have the good and the bad, you must carry all along, everyone is important.”