The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has finally suspended Chief (Mrs.) Mariam Nneamaka Ali, wife of former National Chairman of the party, for slapping her state chairman, Peter Nwaoboshi.

The elders, leaders and stakeholders’ meeting of the party’s wing in Oshimili South Local Government Area of the state in Asaba on Tuesday placed her on indefinite suspension from the party.

The suspension motion, which was moved by Ngozi Okolotu, was seconded by Mordi Ononye before it was unanimously upheld. The members also said Mariam should restrict herself to Kogi State, home state of Col. Ahmadu Ali (rtd.), whom she was married several years ago.

A six-point statement signed by Evangelist Ebialim Maduemezia, the council’s party chairman, and the chairman of the local government area Elders’ Council, Ogbueshi A. Eluaka, described Mrs. Ali as “the assailant” who reported the face-off “whereupon she abdicated the matter at the police in Delta State Command.”

After the elders recounted how she ignored the invitation of the Asagba in Council, comprising the traditional rulers in Delta North Senatorial District, they were categorical that Mrs. Ali has failed to behave like Chief (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme, the chairperson of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), whom they said “was doing the council area proud.”

Arising from the elders meeting, they urged the national body of the party not to only disregard Mrs. Ali but also refer her action as embarrassing.

According to Maduemezia, “Until she came, we had been doing very well in Oshimili South Local Government. She came in as a fighter. This was a woman that failed her elections twice between 2007 and 2011.

“We will not allow her to destroy the local government area for us. Her indefinite suspension letter should be prepared immediately.

“She is not a major player in the day-to-day politics of the council area. Therefore, if PDP must continue to win in Delta State, we should not allow renegades who are not relevant in the politics of the state to destroy the fortune of the party.”

•Adapted from a Daily Independent report. Photo shows Chief (Mrs.) Mariam Nneamaka Ali.