My suspension against principle of ‘fair hearing”, cannot stand —Kashamu

Senator Buruji Kashamu has described his suspension by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as being an offence to the principle of “lis pendens” and therefore will not stand.

The National Working Committee of the PDP had sequel to the allegation of anti-party activities against the senator representing Ogun East district at the National Assembly, handed him a one month suspension.

The NWC made the announcement on Saturday, during the PDP’s National Convention in Abuja.

However, in a quick response in a statement issued on Saturday, Kashamu described the party action as a nullity that cannot stand.

He wondered how such an action will be coming while there is still a pending appeal with a motion for injunction that has been properly entered and served on parties.

Adding that his suspension offends the principle of “lis pendens,” Kashamu said, “Therefore, I reject the purported suspension because it offends all known principles of justice and fair hearing.

“The mere fact that the Caretaker Committee could resort to this last-minute action in its dying hours and on the day of our national convention shows clearly that the battle that I and other well-meaning leaders, elders and stakeholders have waged against impunity and illegality, and for the enthronement of democracy, due process and the rule of law really got to them.”

According to Kashamu, it was wrong that the NWC who is always quick to accuse the Federal Government of stifling opposition, should abhor dissenting voices within the PDP.

“They (NWC members) arrogantly think that they can browbeat everyone into submission and buy over the conscience of our party leaders and delegates in continuation of their desperate bid to hold the party by the jugular in order to serve their selfish and egocentric ends.

“What is the essence of a multiparty politics and democracy if people cannot disagree to agree and ventilate their views? I dare say that any party or organisation that does not brook dissent and plurality of ideas and opinions is on its way to self-destruct and extinction,” he said.

He called on party delegates, leaders and other stakeholders to join in the struggle to rescue PDP from the grips of those who want to pocket it

He then urged the party delegates and stakeholders to ensure new and untainted leadership that will put an end to illegality, impunity, deceit and imposition in PDP is elected at the convention.

READ ALSO: PDP suspends Senator Kashamu on day of Nat’l Convention

“Today, let’s elect men and women of conscience who will truly reposition our party, restore democracy and make it the envy of all. Let’s show Nigerians that it is a new dawn and a new order in PDP.

“I stand by my convictions in the struggle for the enthronement of genuine democracy, due process and respect for our own constitution. I remain strong and unbowed by their antics.”

Kashamu suspension is coming after a Federal High Court in Abuja during the week sacked his suit seeking to prevent PDP from sanctioning him over alleged anti-party activities.

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