We totally reject the ‘purported’ suspension of Kogi Deputy Gov —APC Justice Forum

APC Justice Forum/Buhari Support Group in Kogi State, a self-acclaimed “arm” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned what it described as “the purported” suspension of Kogi State Deputy Governor,  Hon.  Simon Achuba, from the party. 

In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Forum, Mr. Atekojo Samson Usman, which was made available to journalists on Friday, the group said suspension of the Deputy Governor which was announced in Lokoja by the Abdullahi Bello faction of APC in Kogi State was a nullity, saying that the faction was not recognised. 

He described the Abdullahi Bello faction as a “pawn” which was ready to be used against the party, even at a critical time the party was heading for primary election. 

Usman said the Deputy Governor was a senior member of the party who has been “incarcerated” by the governor in the last two years without the Abdullahi Bello faction or Hadi Ametuo faction exploring mechanisms for reconciliation as provided for in the party’s constitution.   

“In the last two years, the Deputy Governor has been incarcerated and not the same Abdullahi Bello faction of APC or Hadi Ametuo  in Kogi State deemed it necessary to reconcile Achuba through constitutional means.

“To Abdullahi faction, they are a willing tool to be used once you are not on the same page with the governor.   This is quite unfortunate particularly at this time that the party is facing primaries anytime soon”, Usman said. 

“The alleged anti-party activities by the Deputy Governor was a way of getting back on him without taking into consideration the negative impact such development would have on the party in the state.”

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He added that Mr. Achuba had informed some senior members of the APC and the National Secretariat on the crisis between him and the governor in the last two years, but there was no response until he had no other option than to bring it to the public domain. 

The statement further alleged that the Abdullahi Bello faction was working against Kogi APC. If the governor,  Yahaya Bello, loses the party ticket in the coming governorship primary, it claimed that the plan was to provide him a soft landing in Accord Party. 

“As a group, we are aware of their antics.  Should Yahaya Bello lose APC primaries,  they would be on their way to Accord Party.”

The Forum further warned the State House of Assembly on the implication of impeaching the Deputy Governor, saying that  the crisis predated their tenure,  hence,  they should toe the path of reconciliation in the interest of the state. 

According to the group,  the unity of Kogi APC lies with the Assembly,  hence,  the lawmakers should rather unite the party that brought them into office than causing further crisis. 

They urged lawmakers to investigate Mr. Achuba’s allegations with the possibility of turning the heat on the state governor. 

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