Protest at PDP, stakeholders demand suspension of female leader

Concerned PDP members yesterday threatened to expose the harassment of women in the party if the party leadership fails to suspend its National Leader (NWL), Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm.

The concerned PDP members also gave the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) three days to suspend Bryhm, just as it had already suspended the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih.

But controversial PDP national leader Bryhm has denied the allegations against her, saying she was surprised by the protest and denied that she orchestrated official intimidation, harassment and divisions in the party’s women’s wing under her leadership.

Concerned PDP members led by their chairman, Dr. Obianuju Ogoko, besieged the entrance of the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, accusing the female chairman of harassing party members.

Ogoko, who signed the protest letter to the group at the PDP NWC, said women in the PDP have become an endangered species and no longer feel at home in the party.

The letter states that over the past six months, Bryhm allegedly “viciously engaged in the intimidation, exclusion, harassment and persecution of women in the party, particularly those she viewed as opponents of her appointment as party leader.”

It continues: “The NWL is accused of being constantly involved in actions that continue to pit the party against women; a situation that brings disrepute, hatred and public contempt to the party, particularly the NWC.

“Numerous party members accused her of sowing divisions and exploiting unsuspecting and vulnerable young women in the PDP to intimidate, harass and bully women who they believe do not support their views.

“Such acts of intimidation, bullying and harassment as well as the fictionalisation of the women’s wing have also disrupted the unity and peaceful and efficient conduct of women’s activities in the party.”

The group explained the leader’s method as follows: “Even more disturbing is the allegation that the NWL has encouraged some of its employees to use violence and intimidation against women it sees as its opponents.”

“Shockingly, the NWL is accused of inciting one of its staff, Mrs. Adiela Nwosu, to use the police to harass innocent party members. The latest incident occurred in the wake of a police attack on Mrs. Ada Okwori, whose offence is that she challenged the position of the party’s female leader.

“This matter currently before the police has been handled in a very distasteful manner. Given Ms. Nwosu’s role on social media, it is vital that we address the broader context of this issue.”

The group further stated: “While we focus on the current case before the police, other revelations could have damaging effects on the party and its leadership.”

The group also mentioned the issue of sexual harassment in the party, adding: “We would like to draw attention to a related issue that concerns sexual harassment and intimidation and is also linked to the police. There are other developments that do not require immediate attention.”

The letter further stated that the PDP women’s organisation had often been divided and desperate throughout the party’s history.

The PDP group also called for “the immediate resignation or suspension of the NWL from the NWC for direct violation of sections 58, 1 (b), (h), (j) and (k). This demand comes in light of repeated incidents of harassment and intimidation of party members under their leadership.”

Reacting, PDP National Women Leader Bryhm said she was surprised by the protest, adding that the said woman, Adiela Nwosu, accused of harassing PDP women, was not her assistant as claimed by the protesters and as such could not be held responsible for Nwosu’s actions.

Bryhm, however, assured that all issues raised by the protesters would be carefully investigated to ensure adequate protection, unity and peaceful participation of women in politics on the platform of the PDP.

She urged the women of the PDP to continue to work together in the interest of the party in particular and Nigeria in general.