…accuse her of harassment, high handedness

…Leader denies charges

John Alechenu

A group of protesters laid siege at the National Secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday demanding that the party’s National Woman Leader, Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm either resigns or be sacked for being a cog in the wheel of the progress of women in the party.

Leader of the protesting women, Dr Obianuju Ogoko, who read out a statement on their behalf said under Bryhm’s leadership, women have become an endangered specie in the party because of the her maladministration.

They alleged that within the last six months, the National Woman Leader, has engaged in vicious acts of intimidation, exclusion, harassment and persecution of women in the Party especially those she perceived to be against her emergence as Woman Leader.

The equally accused the woman leader of constantly engaging in actions that continue to pit the Party against women.

She has also been accused of divisiveness in her action a situation which the protesters said led to her targeting those perceived as enemies for harassment and bullying.

In addition, the protesters also accused the Woman Leader of engaging the services of one Ms, Adiela Nwosu, to use the Police to harass innocent Party members.

According to them, the most recent case being a police assault against Ms. Ada Okwori, whose offence is that she contested the position of the Woman Leader with

This matter which is currently before the Police has been handled in very poor taste. Given the social media publicity role of Ms Nwosu, it is crucial that we address the broader context of this issue.

The group’s Spokesperson further said, “While we focus on the current case before the Police, other revelations could have damaging implications on the Party and its leadership.

“We wish to highlight a related issue involving sexual harassment and intimidation which is also linked to the Police. There are other developments that are not for immediate attention.

“The fact that Ms. Nwosu is taking up these battles against other women under her direct raises suspicions that these actions might be contrived from within the party including numerous issues of sexual intimidation leveled against party members.

“Never in the history of the PDP has the PDP Women Wing been so divided and distressed. We, the women of the PDP are deeply concerned for many reasons especially at a time when our party is at one of its lowest ebbs.

“The evolving scandal has the potential to tarnish the party’s reputation and suggest that it is a cesspool of gross immoral behavior and rascality even among those who should know better.

“Our demands: In the light of the foregoing, we demand as follows:

The immediate resignation/ 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 her leadership.

“Investigate the repeated actions of Adiela Nwosu who has been operating the bidding of the NWL in intimidating and harassing female Party member

“The NWC should immediately set up a Special Committee to investigate the NWL for appropriated disciplinary action pursuant to Section 57 of the PDP Constitution.

“These recommendations are to ensure that the PDP upholds its values and principles, addressing internal issues promptly and fairly and protecting all members from abuse and intimidation.

“We pledge our support and loyalty to the PDP but will never allow anybody, no matter how highly placed, to intimidate and harass us in our Party.”

In response, the woman leader issued a statement denying the charges and calling on women to close ranks to move the party forward.

She appealed to fellow women to close ranks in order to take their pride of place in the scheme of things within the party.

Bryhm gave the charge in a statement signed by her media aide, Amb. Maisaje Umar Yahaya, in Abuja, yesterday.

She also dissociated herself and office from the activities of one Adiela Nwosu, who was allegedly led some persons to harass, threaten and intimidate fellow women under the guise of working for the office of the National Women leader.

The PDP Women leader issued the disclaimer in response to allegations by some protesters who besieged the party Headquarters, yesterday.

According to the statement, “The Woman Leader distanced herself from the said Ms Adiela Nwosu, who was accused of being her personal aide and alleged to be involved in harassment and bullying of Party women.

“Mrs Darasimi who was taken aback by the protest, said that she cannot be held accountable for any actions or wrong doings of Ms Nwosu.

“She reiterated her commitment to promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and gender empowerment within the party.

“She urges all women in the PDP to remain committed and focused on the collective goals of mobilizing the women folks in the interest of the Party, while asking members to stand together and support each other in the quest for a better future for all Nigerians.”