Nigeria, March 24 -- Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has countered a directive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which asked Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to appear before the National Disciplinary Committee of the party over alleged anti-party activities.

The PDP had on Thursday also announced the suspension of a former Senate President Pius Anyim and a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, and two other members of the party.

Mr Wike on Thursday said Governor Ortom would not appear before the disciplinary committee. He described the suspension of Mr Fayose and others as a nullity, and said if there is anyone who should be suspended it is the National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu.

"I want to state clearly and...