The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has suspended eleven (11) party chieftains for alleged anti-party activities and meeting absenteeism.
Hon. Simon Osagie, a two-term House of Representatives member and former Minority whip is among those suspended.
The Executive of the Uhunmwode Local Government APC, led by Hon. Osawe Osayemwenre, expelled the party chieftains.
Hon. Rolland Alari, Bar. Felix Alari, Simon Uduogie, Esohe Idemudia, Monday Guobadia, Nelson Gomez Ise, Festus Iyekeoretin, Hon. Jolly lyekeoretin, Evans Ozabor, and William Amadi are among those who have been suspended.
WITHIN NIGERIA has learned that their suspension letter was co-signed by Osayemwenre and 17 other members and addressed to the party’s state chairman, Col. David Imuse (Rtd.).
The letter titled;
Notice Of Suspension Of Hon. Samson R. Osagie, Hon. Roland Alari, and Others” obtained y newsmen, reads: “Following compelling petitions of anti-party activities, fictionalisation, absenteeism from party meetings and sabotage in the just concluded general elections from some party stakeholders at our disposal, we wish to covey the suspension of the under-listed persons from the All Progressives Congress, Uhunmwode LGA chapter.
We urge you to apply your good office in ratifying this suspension to avoid their interference with the investigation process.
We have named a three-man disciplinary committee to be Chaired by Prof. David Osifo, with Dr Washington Osifo and Barr. Dan Ogbegie as Secretary and Member, respectively.
Our Suspension Is Laughable – Osagie
Hon. Samson Osagie, reacting to the development, said the suspension and the reasons given are laughable and a gross violation of Article 21 of the APC Constitution.
Since joining the APC, he claims he has not done anything to undermine it.
Osagie said:
First, the said suspension purportedly carried out by a group of people, some of who have denied knowledge as their signatures were taken from an attendance list of a previous meeting is not only laughable but a gross violation of Article 21 of the Party Constitution and my fundamental rights guaranteed under Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).
Not only are their allegations unfounded, but they are also spurious and totally untrue.
I am a party man who rose to become the Minority Whip of the party in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015.
I was a member of the National Executive Committee of the APC up until President Buhari became President. I am not given to any acts or actions that undermine my party.”
Again, my fundamental rights to fair hearing has been breached by these follows who did not bother to hear from me and/or confront me with the allegations at their disposal, he added.