My Purported Suspension Attempt To Blackmail Me, Ex-Reps Minority Whip

A former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie, has described as null and void his purported suspension by the All Progressives Congress (APC) of his Uhunmwonde local government area chapter of Edo State

The report of the former lawmaker’s suspension was contained in a letter signed by the entire executive members of the LGA under the chairmanship of Hon. Osawe Osayemwenre.

They hinged their action against Osagie based his alleged factionalisation of the party, absenteeism from party meetings and internal sabotage in the just-concluded 2023 general election.

But, in a swift reaction on Monday, Osagie said the reasons adduced for the suspension were spurious and totally untrue.

He said, “First, the said suspension purportedly carried out by a group of people, some of whom have denied knowledge as their signatures were taken from an attendance list of a previous meeting is not only laughable but a gross violation of Article 21 of the Party Constitution and my fundamental rights guaranteed under Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999(as amended) . Not only are their omnibus allegations unfounded, they are spurious and totally untrue.

“Am a party man who rose to become the Minority Whip of the party in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015. I was a member of the National Executive Committee of the APC up until President Buhari became President. I am not given to any acts or actions that undermines my party.

“Again, my fundamental rights to fair hearing has been breached by these follows who did not bother to hear from me and/or confront me with the allegations at their disposal.

“For about a year now I have been cautiously engaging in political activities owing to my bereavement while still giving my utmost support to the President Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates.

“I do not know therefore, how they came about the spurious allegations they have now alleged. I there denounce in the strongest of terms the attempt to blackmail me by this suspension and undermine my commitment and dedication to the APC since its formation.

“The allegations are nothing but
Manufactured lies which cannot stand the test of time. Some of those who are the masterminds of this shameful acts have resigned from the party a night before and and flee overseas even though elections are yet to be completed. This is the height of gross irresponsibility by those who think politics is like operating a computer,” Osagie stated.