APC Suspends Top Edo Govt’s Official Over Alleged Anti-party Activities

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the suspension of the chairman, Edo State Forestry Commission, Hon. Valentine Asuen, from the party, citing acts of indiscipline and conduct considered detrimental to its unity.

LEADERSHIP reporst that Asuen was the Edo South Senatorial Candidate n the 2024 general election and a former State youth leader of the party.

According to a statement signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the decision followed a careful consideration of Asuen’s actions, which the party said were in direct violation of its constitution.

The APC accused the government official of engaging in activities that incited division and undermined the collective spirit of loyalty expected of members.

The statement explained that the suspension was carried out in line with Article 21 of the APC Constitution (2022, as amended), which outlines offences and disciplinary measures for members whose actions threaten the stability of the party. It added that such behaviour, as attributed to Asuen, attracts sanctions, including suspension.

Uwadiae-Igbinigie said, “This disciplinary action became necessary following his conduct, which runs contrary to the spirit of unity, loyalty, and collective progress enshrined in our constitution. His actions have been deemed to amount to inciting division within the Party, thereby undermining the cohesion and discipline expected of every member.

“In line with Article 21:2 (ii) & (v) of the Party Constitution 2022, as amended, such conduct constitutes a violation of the obligations of a member. Furthermore, as clearly stipulated in Article 21:5 (a), (c), (d), (e), (f) & (h), these infractions are punishable offences, warranting disciplinary measures including suspension.”

The Edo APC also reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and internal democracy, stressing that it would not tolerate acts capable of destabilising the party or creating disaffection among its members.

It also dismissed insinuations that party appointments had been influenced by the APC State Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah, noting that all appointments made so far by the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, have been equitably distributed across the state, including Oredo local government area of the State.