The crisis rocking the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State worsened on Sunday as the ward executive of the party slammed suspension on the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

Ayu’s suspension is coming barely a few days after the party’s National Working Committee had dragged the State Governor, Samuel Ortom, to its disciplinary committee on alleged anti party activities.

The Ward Executive of the party at Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State suspended the national chairman on Sunday.

Addressing journalists on behalf of Kashi Philip, the Ward Chairman, the Ward Secretary, Mr Vangeryina Dooyum, explained that Senator Ayu was suspended for alleged anti party activities.

Dooyum read from a text signed by 12 out of the 17 member Ward Executive.

According to the Secretary, the decision to suspend the National Chairman was reached after the ward leadership reviewed his conduct at the end of the just concluded general elections.

He said, “We observed with utmost dismay that Dr. Iyorchia Ayu who is the National Chairman of the PDP worked against the success of the party in Igyorov Council Ward.

“It is on record that he has also failed to pay his Annual Subscription Fees as provided under Section 8 (9) of the Constitution of the PDP, 2017 (As amended).

“Further investigation also revealed that he did not vote during the Governorship and State Assembly elections held on March 18, 2023.

“It was also discovered that most of his closest allies worked for the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and hence, the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby pass a vote of no confidence on Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and suspend him as a member of our party with immediate effect.The suspension takes effect from March 24, 2023.”

Lt. General Oladipo Diya, former Chief of General Staff under the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, is dead.

His death was announced in a statement by his son, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on Sunday morning.

It read, “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; we announce the passing on to glory of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, Lt-General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.

“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.”

The former Chief of General Staff was born on April 3, 1944 at Odogbolu in Ogun State.

Diya joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War.

He was appointed Chief of General Staff in 1993 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994. As Chief of the General Staff, he was second in command and the de facto vice president of Nigeria under Abacha from 1994.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will depart Abuja today (Sunday) for Guinea-Bissau for the away leg of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Wild Dogs on Monday, March 27.

The Eagles were dealt a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of the underdogs at the Moshood Abiola stadium in Abuja on Friday.

According to a statement released to the press by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Nigeria delegation to Monday’s match in Bissau will depart from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 7am on Sunday aboard a chartered flight.

The return leg of the fixture will be played at the Estadio 24 de Setembro and is scheduled to begin by 6pm (Nigeria time).

Meanwhile, team captain Ahmed Musa apologized to the NFF and Nigerians for the defeat and assured fans that the players are ready to redeem themselves in the return match.

NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau announced on Saturday while speaking to the Eagles that total commitment to the national team will now be a key factor, apart from competence and current form, for any football player who wishes to wear the nation’s jersey at any level.

“Let us be very clear about one thing: no player will ever be encouraged against his wish to wear Nigeria’s colours at any time. If an invitation is extended to you at any time but you are not physically, psychologically or mentally up to it, you are free to decline.

“Nigeria demands good performances and positive results from any of the teams going forward. I was sorely disappointed by your performance against Guinea Bissau and I know that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are more than disappointed. Things must change starting with the return match in Guinea Bissau on Monday. Our country is too big to be getting these poor results at international level.

“Total commitment that we can see in your body language and output will now be a key factor in who wears Nigeria’s jerseys. If some players are not ready to give their all at a particular time, others will be and will deliver for our country,” a disappointed Gusau said.