By Kelechi Opara Abuja
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) says henceforth it will begin to punish its members who are disobedient to the constitution of the party.
National Chairman of the party, Chief Edozie Njoku who spoke after meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party told journalists on Thursday that the decision is part of the process of repositioning the party for the attainment of its political ideals.
Edozie said the party will begin to invoke the relevant sections of the Owerri 2019 Constitution against members who indulge in anti party activities.
“Henceforth, the Party has vowed to address various layers of infractions and indiscipline and also to invoke the disciplinary matrix of the party, in line with the relevant sections of the Owerri 2019 Constitution, against members who indulge in anti-party activities that undermine the peace, unity, stability, growth and electoral value of APGA across the country. APGA has a rich history of discipline upon which it was founded. That trend must be sustained at all cost.
“This is clearly spelt out in the Section 10 (Party Discipline/Offences) Subsection (d), (e) and (f) of the Owerri Constitution of 2019 (as amended) specifically states that;
“‘Any member of the party whose activities or conduct, which is likely to embarrass the Party or have adverse effect on the Party or bring incalculable harm to the Party or cause public ridicule or disrepute shall be suspended at the instance of the NWC for a period of six (6) months.’
“‘Any party member that conducts or partakes in illegal primary, congress or convention shall be suspended at the instance of the NWC for a period of six (6) months.’
“’Any member(s) who is under suspension cannot stand for an election”’.
Edozie further alleged that some elements in the party recently engaged a lawyer to secretly file a suit in the name of the party without the permission of the party with the view to claim that INEC has withdrawn its recognition of the leadership of the party.
“Particularly, yesterday (25th September 2024), some party members connived with Mr. P.I.N Ikwueto, SAN (who has benefitted immensely from the party as its external solicitor) and filed a suit in the name of APGA (as Plaintiff) at Federal High Court Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho, without the due authorization of the party as clearly spelt out in the party’s constitution; to procure an Interlocutory Order which they intend to submit to INEC so that they can withdraw the recognition of Chief Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA.
“In his infinite wisdom, Justice James Omotosho denied the application and insisted that Chief Edozie Njoku’s led counsel should harmonize and decide on who should be our legal representative and of course that authority to decide who would be our legal representative lies with the party.
“Clearly, the party members involved in this have shown utmost disdain and disrespect to the Supreme Court Judgment and we have given them enough opportunity to retrace their steps and return to the fold. Unfortunately, what they wanted to achieve with this suit was to ensure my removal so that the illegal candidates they fielded as APGA candidates for the forthcoming Local Government elections in Anambra come September 28, 2024 can succeed. This is unacceptable”.
The Chairman further stated that the NWC, equally condemned in strongest terms the alleged disrespect of the judgements of Courts by the former party Chief Victor Oye.
“We also commend the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mamood for his obedience and law-abiding nature, by taking steps to purge himself of the contempt charge on him, we intend to recommend to the Court that no punishment befall him, since he is doing the needful”.
The party also suspended some members including- Barr, Sylvester Ezeonwuka, Mr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu and all those that participated in the Anambra Local Government congresses and primaries,
