VON DG Reacts As APC Lifts His ‘Suspension’

The DG of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has rejected his purported suspension by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that APC announced that it has lifted the suspension on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Mr Osita Okechukwu and Pastor Usani Uguru Usani.

The ruling party made this known in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu.

The APC stated that the suspension was lifted in line with the party’s deliberate policy of fairness and actions targeted at ensuring harmony within the party across the country.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Okechukwu said the purported lifting of suspension on him was not real.

He, however, said he had forgiven “the drowning” Adams Oshiohmole as a Christian over his misconduct in the APC’s primary elections, where he rigged him out in Enugu West Senatorial District.

Part of the statement read, “The power to discipline party members, which is exercised subject to fair hearing, is granted only to the respective Executives Committees of the Ward, LGA, State and National, by virtue of the first paragraph of Article 21 of the APC constitution.

“The NWC is not listed as one of the Executive Committees by the constitution and is therefore not bestowed with the power to discipline a party member. There is no denying the fact that suspension is one of the disciplinary measures listed under Article 21 (D) of the constitution.

“The NWC is also not listed in Article 21 (B) (vi) (a) – (e) as one of the adjudicatory bodies with regard to compliant or allegation against any member of the party. Also, the powers granted to the NWC under Article 13.4 (i) – (xvii) of the APC constitution does not include the power to discipline any member of the party.

“From the above my brothers and sisters, friends and well-wishers, my humble self and indeed His Excellencies Akeredolu, Okorocha and Amosun and Pastor Usani were never suspended by their Ward, LGA, State or National Executive Committee as envisaged by the APC’s Constitution.

“Consequently, the drowning Comrade Oshiomhole instead of searching for a straw to cling on should not only learn that rule of law governs our great party but should rush home and quench the inferno he has simulated in Edo State, as charity has to begin at home.”