Penpushers.
The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has expelled the state Vice Chairman, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, and seven others, among whom are i Prince William Shaka Momodu, of Ward 5, Raphael Ehimen, Ward 5, Ijeh Aire, Ward 4,Unuane Isesele Ward 7, Abudu Ugbesia, Ward 1, Pius Igene, Ward 3 and Chief Godfrey Odalo of Ward 3, all in Esan central local government area of Edo state
They were expelled over alleged anti party activities
Their expulsion notice, is contained in a letter dated 21/04/2023, addressed to Edo state APC Chairman, titled: LETTER OF EXPULSION OF EIGHT APC MEMBERS IN ESAN CENTRAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT OVER ANTI PARTY ACTIVITIES, and signed by Rawlings Ekeoba, Chairman and Mr. Austin Aqua Eigbiremolen, Secretary and twenty three other members the Esan Central local government All Progressive Congress Executive Committee.
The letter of expulsion of the eight persons from the party, stated that, penultimate to the March 18 2023 House of Assembly and House of Representatives elections, the eight of them held meetings in an Hotel in Eidenu Irrua where they resolved to work against the All Progressive Congress in the election. The letter further stated that, while some of them worked for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, others worked for the Labour Party, LP, just to ensure that the APC Candidates fail in the election.
It can be recalled that, on the 20th of March 2023, a meeting of the Esan central local government APC executive members, as well as some critical stakeholders in the local government was held, to ascertain the reason that led to the failure of the party in Esan central Local Government Area in the March 18th House of Assembly and House of Representatives elections, and it was in that meeting that facts emanated regarding the various anti party activities played by the suspended persons. Thereafter, a five man panel was set up to investigate the degree of involvement of the suspended persons.
The letter of notification of expulsion, further stated that, only Mr. Theophilus Okoh, of Ward 1, made a representation to the Committee through some persons from his ward and subsequently made a video call to the Committee to deny his involvement in any form of anti party activities.
The letter also inferred that the same set of people had earlier at some point rebelled against the party, as the letter read in part:
“It is noteworthy to state that, these same actors went to court immediately after the House of Assembly primary election to depose to the affidavit claiming that the party primary election conducted by our party and monitored by INEC, was illegal and should be declared null and void.”
“… therefore, the Exco has resolved that Chief Francis Inegbeniki be relieved of his appointment as Vice Chairman, Edo Central Senatorial district and in his place, a new person should be appointed without delay.”
Responding to a phone interview from our Correspondent, Barr. Eni Adaghebalu, a State Ex-Officio of the party, said; ‘…the expulsion decision was taken in line with the provisions of the constitution of the party, adding that, the party gave all the expelled members the opportunity to defend themselves before a panel that was set up, but it was only Mr. Theophilus Okoh that appeared before the panel by proxy, and followed by a video call that he made to defend himself against the allegations, while the others ignored the invitation by the panel, perhaps, they felt they are bigger than the party…’ or because of the overwhelming evidences before the committee.
Barr. Adaghebalu, Chairman of disciplinary Committee concluded by saying; ‘…well, they have been recommended for expulsion from the party, and the reports to that effect, has been submitted to the LGA authority of the party.’
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