The suspension, this afternoon, of embattled Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, by Nigeria’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was based on a petition by the state chapter of the party to PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Though he was not specific on Amaechi’s offence, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, hinted that it had to do with indiscipline. He said in a statement issued in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, that Amaechi has been referred to the party’s disciplinary committee, adding: “This is in furtherance of the determination of the leadership of the Party to enforce discipline at all levels within the Party.”

Below is the text of a communique signed by Chief Metuh and issued at the end of an emergency meeting by the PDP NWC held this morning in Abuja:

“The National Working Committee at its emergency meeting on Monday, 27 May, 2013 considered the petition submitted by the PDP Rivers State Executive Committee against His Excellency Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Executive Governor of Rivers State for violating Articles 58 1 (b), (c ), (h) and (m) of the PDP Constitution.

“The National Working Committee after preliminary hearing, in exercise of the powers conferred by Articles 57 (3), 59 (3), 59 (5) and 29 (2.b) hereby suspends the Executive Governor of River State, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as a member of the PDP and refers the matter to the appropriate disciplinary committee of the Party.

“This is in furtherance of the determination of the leadership of the Party to enforce discipline at all levels within the Party.”

The action comes at the height of Amaechi’s tussle with Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State – also of the PDP – for the chairmanship of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Both Governor Jang and Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State (who was seeking re-election) are laying claim to the position since Friday’s disputed ballot in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. Amaechi claims to have won with 19 votes against 16 for Jang but 19 governors promptly disassociated themselves from him, saying they voted for Jang.

Jang has been endorsed by both the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Rivers State chapter of the PDP.

•Photo shows PDP spokesman, Metuh.