By Ayo Kehinde
Embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole who suspension by his ward in Auchi, Edo state in November was affirmed by the Appeal Court ruling on Monday following a similar High Court ruling, has got reprieve from his ward as 17 out of 27 members vacated the suspension on Saturday.
Mr. Emuakemeh Sule, Secretary of Ward 10 Estako in Edo State, told journalists at a press conference on Saturday that the Ward 10 executives met with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and lifted the suspension because it lacked merit.
According to Sule: “That we have reviewed the circumstances leading to the suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and found no merit in the allegation or processes employed.
“We hereby lift the suspension placed on Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by the Ward. We call on all organs of our great party to restore all rights and privileges of membership to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.”
He claimed the meeting took place on June 4, 2020.
Responding, the acting national chairman of the party, Mr. Hilliard Eta, confirmed that the NWC had received the resolution of Etsako West Ward 10, adding that 17 out of 27 members signed the resolution.
According to him, “Let me also say that in matters of this nature, our constitution provides for only a simple majority and 17 out of 27 is indeed more than a simple majority. So, we want to use this opportunity to thank Etsako West Ward 10 for what they have done. History will be on your side.
He also said the Etsako West LGA executive in a the 9th of June 2020 letter signed by the Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Akokia and the Secretary, Hon. Dauda Ahmed as well as the Executive Committee (SWC) of the APC in Edo state in a ratification letter signed by Col. David Imuse (rtd), the acting state Chairman and Lawrence Oka, the State Secretary, have accented to the order suspending Oshiomhole.
But the State Chapter Chairman recognised by law is the one led by Anslem Ojezua. Recently, the High Court in Abuja vacated the High Court ruling on Oshiomhole’s suspension, an anomaly as the same court of competent jurisdiction cannot do so.
