PDP southeast disciplinary committee to focus on reconciliation, sanity — Oruruo

The newly appointed Chairman of the Southeast Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Disciplinary Committee, Steve Oruruo, has pledged to go beyond punishing erring members by building bridges and fostering reconciliation within the party.

Oruruo, who also serves as the Deputy State Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, was named to the position alongside Clem Ezika (SAN) as Secretary, and Sir Tony Ezebuiro, Chief Emeka Irem, and Fortune Akujuobi as members. The appointments were made by the party’s National Vice Chairman (Southeast), Chief Ali Odefa, during the PDP Southeast Zonal Executive Committee meeting held in Enugu. The move is aimed at restoring order and reinforcing internal discipline in the region.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Oruruo described his new role as a “call to duty,” stressing that no organization can progress without respect for its rules and internal order. He emphasized that the PDP constitution—particularly Section 10—clearly outlines the principles of discipline, noting the urgent need for sanitization and firmness amid current challenges facing the party.

“So, it is in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party, which has come under trial. Laws and rules of engagement are made to regulate human activities.

“What the party intends to do with the disciplinary committee is to create firmness, a sense of authority with which it was renowned. And in doing this, there must be fairness, there must be justice, and there must be equity, and a good conscience.

“So the committee is not a vicious weapon against members of the party, it is not going to be used to wage wars, or to create skirmishes, or further crises.

“It’s going to be an umbrella, an instrument through which peace can be realised in the party. It’s also a chance through which we can create a kind of social cohesion within the lifespan of the party, or within its rank and file, to generate a momentum

“So, we are going to build more bridges, rather than building fences at this moment.

Oruruo, who recently served as the caretaker chairman of PDP Ebonyi State chapter, however, expressed displeasure that despite the huge contributions and support the South East zone has given to the PDP since inception, the zone has continued to be relegated to the background and marginalised by its National leadership.

The Southeast zone, he noted, played a pivotal role in the formation of the party, yet they are not being fairly treated in the scheme of things.

“We have examined the charter, claims, and the constitution of the party. It comprehensively addresses issues relating to disciplinary measures within the party.”

Oruruo explained that the committee’s role would go beyond sanctioning erring members, pointing out that the importance of reconciliation and unity cannot be overemphasized.

“Therefore, a committee should be constituted in accordance with this provision of the law. It will oversee all processes and procedures related to administering disciplinary measures to erring members.

“Moreover, our objective is not to viciously target individuals or members involved in any form of misconduct. Rather, our role is also to foster reconciliation and, where possible, pursue mediation and arbitration, a process aimed at uniting people”, he said.

The committee chairman equally underscored the importance of integrity, tact, and fairness in the committee’s operations.

He said, “In cases where the Party must take a firm stance, this body is designed to demonstrate discipline, tact, firmness, and integrity.”

Oruruo, therefore, called on committee members to reflect on their past roles and the need to uphold their reputations, saying, “Members of this committee must reflect on the offices they have previously held and the discipline they have maintained”.