The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State on Monday suspended the former Minority Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, Barrister Samson Osagie and 10 other members of the party over alleged anti-party activities during the last election.
Those suspended alongside Osagie are Hon. Roland Alari, Barr. Felix Alari, Mr Simon Uduogie, Mrs Esohe Idemudia, Mr Monday Guobadia, Mr Nelson Gumez Ise, Mr Festus Iyekeoretin, Hon Jolly Iyekeoretin, Mr Evans Ozabor and Mr Wilson Amadi.
The suspension notice was made available to Journalists in Benin City and read in part: “Following compelling petitions of anti-party activities, fictionalisation, absenteeism from party meetings and internal sabotage in the just concluded general elections from some party stakeholders at our disposal.
“We wish to convey the suspension of above named-persons from the All Progressives Congress Uhunmwode LGA Chapter.
“We have named a 3-man Disciplinary Committee to be chaired by Prof. David Osifo, with Dr Washington Osifo and Barr Dan Ogbegie as Secretary and members respectively.
In a switch reaction, Barr Samson Osagie described his suspension as laughable and a gross violation of Article 21 of the APC Constitution.
He said: “The news of my suspension from APC was broken to me by a responsible journalist who sought to hear from me.
“First, they 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 omnibus allegations unfounded, but they are also spurious and 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 right to a fair hearing has been breached by these followers who did not bother to hear from me and/or confront me with the allegations at their disposal”.
“For about a year now I have been cautiously engaging in political activities owing to my bereavement while still giving my utmost support to the President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates.
“I do not know, therefore, how they came about the spurious allegations they have now alleged.
I there denounce in the strongest of terms the attempt to blackmail me by this suspension and undermine my commitment and dedication to the APC since its formation.
The allegations are nothing but Manufactured lies which cannot stand the test of time.
“Some of those who are the masterminds of these shameful acts have resigned from the party a night before and fled overseas even though elections are yet to be completed. This is the height of gross irresponsibility by those who think politics is like operating a computer”.
Source : Tribune
