The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has asked Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to stop interfering in its affairs in the state, adding that the former NNPP chairman in the state, Comrade Sunday Olaposi Ogini, remains expelled.
NNPP accused the state governor of taking sides with the expelled state chairman over a party matter in the state. The governor is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The expelled chairman, according to the party, had accused two NNPP members of stealing N7.5 million in a drawer in his office. The party alleged that the governor was interested in the matter.
However, NNPP spokesman Yakubu Shandam said the party has been wondering why party money was kept in a drawer in an office, rather than in the bank account.
Shandam, in a press conference yesterday, said their members didn’t go to the office illegally, adding that the Police was aware of their entry into the office.
“In view of all the above, under normal circumstances, this type of case should not give the accused any concern. But with the visible interference of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun in the matter, it has become expedient for us as the leaders of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), to alert the World that this alleged move by the Governor of Ogun State is an invitation to anarchy.
“The NNPP, in all ramifications, is a party that believes in the rule of law. It is an open secret in the Ogun State Ministry of Justice that the Governor, Dapo Abiodun, is interested in the matter.
“Therefore, we are using this medium to advise Governor Dapo Abiodun to leave the Ogun State judiciary to work without undue interference to be able to dispense justice without fear or favour. We are advising the Governor to face governance, the only reason why he was elected Governor,” Shandam said.
NNPP further said there are three arms of government as stipulated in the Constitution, which is the ground norm of all the laws in Nigeria.
“This Constitution made the judiciary independent of any other arm. It is the only arm of Government that does not have politicians as members. We have never doubted the integrity of the judiciary. We are therefore calling on the judiciary in Ogun State to continue to maintain their historical integrity.
“Ogun State has a prime place in the history of this country. A State that has produced Statesmen like Late Obafemi Awolowo, Late Simeon Adebo, Late Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, Late Chief MKO Abiola, has something to treasure.
“The Ogun State Judiciary has a huge role to play in maintaining this age long integrity,” the party added.
