He said the headlines of the reports were deliberately designed to cause disaffection and put a wedge between him and Chief Obasanjo.

Chief Iwuanyanwu said his relationship with the former President who he is still in contact with, was such that could not be destroyed by persons who have agenda they could barely conceal.

The PDP top brass said it would be illogical for him to dismiss the leadership of the very critical organ of the party of which he is a member as powerless and irrelevant, adding that it would amount to cutting his nose to spite his face.

A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by Chief Iwuanyanwu reads in part: "My attention has been drawn to publications in the Daily Sun newspapers and Daily Trust of August 1, 2007 which carried headlines that distorted my statement to the press at the State House, Abuja and my comments as follows:

"In a question from one of the press men, an insinuation was made that Obasanjo’s position as the chairman, Board of Trustees was scaring away estranged members who wanted to reconcile and return to the party and that some of those people have said that as long as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is the chairman, Board of Trustees, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) they will not join the PDP. I refuted the allegation as completely false and unfounded.

"In a further comment from the press over the leadership of the PDP, I stated that the leader of the party is Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua - the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, while the chairman of the party is Senator Ahmadu Ali.

"The insinuation that I said Obasanjo is powerless or irrelevant is uncalled for and I never used such words. It is absolutely unfair on the part of these newspapers to have associated me with such a statement.

"To the contrary, I whole heartedly support Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s election as the chairman of Board of Trustees of our great party; a position which he deserves in view of the leadership he provided for Nigeria not only in the past eight years but also as a Military Head of State. A distinguished personality who has contributed immensely to the stability and growth of Nigeria and its democracy.

"I was present at all the meetings where the constitutional amendment that made Chief Olusegun Obasanjo the chairman, Board of Trustees was tabled. I attended the National Executive Council meeting where the draft amendment was approved. I attended the party’s National Convention where the amended constitution was ratified.

"As far as I am concerned, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s election as the chairman, Board of Trustees was proper and in accordance with the party’s constitution. I want to assure our great leader Obasanjo that we appreciate his services to the country and will never participate in casting any aspersions on his capability.