Ortom’s lawyer seeks public apology from PDP disciplinary committee
Barrister Clement Mue Esq., legal counsel to former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, has formally requested the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) to retract its February 5, 2025, press release concerning an inquiry into petitions against Ortom. Mue argues the public notice has caused reputational harm and violates Section 57 of the PDP Constitution and Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015
In a formal letter addressed to Chief Tom Ikimi, Chairman of the NDC, Mue detailed numerous significant breaches of both the PDP Constitution and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015. He stressed that Chief Ortom was not notified in writing about any allegations prior to the public announcement, which constitutes a clear contravention of Section 57(4) of the PDP Constitution requiring such notification.
Mue further argued that the NDC lacks the jurisdiction to take disciplinary action against Chief Ortom, citing Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution. This section specifies that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) can address disciplinary matters involving members of the NEC, Deputy Governors, and National Assembly members.
Additionally, Mue pointed to Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits the dissemination of false or misleading information that damages an individual’s reputation. The counsel emphasized that the premature release of allegations against his client has led to public ridicule and significant reputational harm.
In light of these violations, Mue has demanded the following from the PDP National Disciplinary Committee the immediate withdrawal of the February 5 press release, a written apology to Chief Ortom within 48 hours, and a halt to any further public commentary on the matter until proper procedures are followed.
The letter warns that failure to comply with these demands could result in legal action, including a defamation lawsuit and a petition to law enforcement authorities for violations of the Cybercrimes Act.
