APC Suspends Ex-Minority Whip, Other Party Chieftains In Edo

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended eleven (11) party chieftains over alleged anti-party activities and absenteeism from meetings.

Among those suspended is a two-term House of Representatives member and former Minority whip, Hon. Simon Osagie, Naija News understands.

The party chieftains were expelled by the Executive of the Uhunmwode Local government APC, led by Hon. Osawe Osayemwenre.

Others suspended are 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.

Naija News understands that their suspension letter was co-signed by Osayemwenre and 17 other members and was addressed to the state chairman of the party, 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

Reacting to the development, Hon. Samson Osagie said the suspension and the reasons given is laughable and a gross violation of Article 21 of the APC Constitution.

According to him, he has not taken any step that undermines the APC since he was a member.

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.