From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a seven-member disciplinary committee to investigate allegations of defection and breaches of the party’s constitution by some members.
Party officials disclosed that the committee was established on Friday by the State Executive Committee (SEC) in accordance with Section 57(1) of the party’s constitution, which mandates the formation of a disciplinary panel at every level of the party, including at least one member with a legal background.
Inaugurating the committee, the State Deputy Chairman, Gyang Tanko, said members were carefully selected based on integrity, experience and commitment to party discipline.
He explained that Daniel Kungmi was appointed chairman because of his record and “uncompromising stance on discipline.”
“His political antecedents as a former local government chairman informed our decision. We believe he has the capacity to lead this committee effectively,” Mr Tanko said.
He thanked members for accepting the responsibility and urged party faithful to cooperate with the panel.
“Internal discipline is essential for strengthening democratic practice within the PDP. We expect members and supporters to give the committee the necessary support to carry out its assignment,” he added.
According to party officials, the committee’s mandate includes establishing facts surrounding the alleged infractions, identifying members involved, and determining the gravity of any proven violations. It is also expected to recommend appropriate disciplinary measures where necessary.
The panel is empowered to invite witnesses, request documents and conduct hearings as part of its assignment. Its work, the party said, will be guided by fairness, transparency, due process and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, rules and code of conduct. The committee has two weeks to submit its report.
Other members of the panel are Gogol Goma, Anah Dadah, Gyang Choji, Singar Zhattau and Pam Sale, with Bitrus Gyang serving as secretary.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Mr Kungmi thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in them and assured that the panel would discharge its duties diligently.
“It is incumbent on me to reciprocate whenever the party calls on me to play any role, at any level,” he said. “To turn down such a request would amount to ingratitude.”
He stressed that the committee’s work was not intended to witch-hunt anyone but to strengthen internal democracy within the party.
“Nobody is on trial. This is about strengthening party discipline and rebuilding the party,” Mr Kungmi said.
He added that part of the committee’s assignment includes verifying party membership, updating records and addressing cases of dual allegiance.
“People are free to leave the party, just as they are free to return. But one cannot belong to two political platforms at the same time,” he stated.
Mr Kungmi noted that the committee would operate under the directive of the State Working Committee led by the State Chairman, Raymond Dabo.
“Our responsibility is to carry out the assignment given to us, in line with the party’s constitution and values,” he said.