The New New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is witnessing an upheaval, as its founder, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, and the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Agbo Major, have been suspended from their roles.
During a press briefing conducted by the National Working Committee (NWC) of NNPP and conveyed through a statement signed by acting National Chairman Mallam Abba Kawu Alli and National Auditor Oladipo Johnson, it was declared that the suspension of Aniebonam and Major was effective immediately.
The statement also stated that the suspension is pending the resolution of investigations by the Disciplinary Committee at the National Level of the Party.
READ ALSO: Coup: Tinubu directs Ulamas to return to Niger for mediation
However, a swift response from Agbo Major challenged the reported suspension, emphatically denying that both Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam and himself have been suspended from the party.
Agbo dismissed the news as a “huge comic show expected only from Nollywood or Holywood,” urging that the report should be disregarded.
Earlier in the statement, Mallam Abba Kawu Alli, the National Auditor, Oladipo Johnson said, “You will all recall that recent events regarding the repositioning of our party and the discipline or otherwise of some of our members led to the expulsion of 2 members of the party, the suspension of about 7 former state chairmen of our party, and the dissolution of the executive committees of 9 state chapters of the party.
READ ALSO: Kano Tribunal Draws NNPP, APC Leaders Amid Bribery Claims
“Unfortunately, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, one of the founders of our party has arrogated to himself the right to solely reverse decisions of the National Working Committee, even those decisions ratified and adopted by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party! This is a situation that as a responsible National Working Committee, we cannot permit to persist.
“In line with our constitution, we have today suspended Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam and the National Publicity Secretary Dr. Agbo Major pending the determination of investigations by the Disciplinary Committee at the National Level of the Party.
“Furthermore, the men and their suspended cohorts have, under Article 39.2 (7), been involved in anti-party activities and conduct which may likely have an adverse effect on the party or bring hatred, contempt, disrespect or ridicule to the party.
READ ALSO: NNPP to Adopt New Party Logo, Calls for INEC Acceptance
“They are also in the process of intentionally fictionalizing the party, together with some of the earlier suspended members, amongst other things. Naturally, the gentlemen, along with others that were earlier suspended, have access in the first instance to the disciplinary committee, which will invite them for a fair hearing, and also an appeal procedure, which is clearly laid out in our constitution.
“We must state that this party is one and that we shall stand up to those who would like to bring it to disrepute. We must let the press know that there are only a few disgruntled expelled and suspended members who have taken cover under Dr. Aniebonam and have seemingly pushed him to perform acts that are inimical to the growth of the party and the operation of our constitution. As we know that they will issue spurious statements seeking to confuse the general public, we urge the press to address these people properly as “suspended” chairmen or members of the party,” Johnson said.
Agbo Major who described the suspension as a serious joke, said “While an elaborate meeting of the Board is fixed for Monday 28th August 2023 in Lagos to take crucial decisions on the illegalities perpetrated by the power crazy NWC, I urge media men to treat the purported suspension of the Founder and Co-Founder not even like a pinch of salt.
READ ALSO: Only homwgrown solutions will solve African problems, says Tinubu
“The powers of the BOT of NNPP as clearly spelt out in our constitution vest enormous authority to call to order any officer of the party who acts in variance with the constitution. The long-drawn dagger that has brought the party down to this level is traceable to the vicious attempts made by the erstwhile presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to hijack the party and whose interest does not seem to be in agreement with the Founder’s insistence that the rule of law and constitutional order be maintained in all decisions.
“The Board would react fully after the meeting in Lagos on Monday.