Kogi APC distances self from deputy spokesman’s suspension

The Kogi State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress on Friday distanced itself from the suspension of the National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Murtala Yakubu, over alleged gross insubordination, and anti-party activities among others.

Yakubu, who is also a member of the National Working Committee of the APC, was suspended by the executive members of his local constituency in Ward 1, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of the state.

His suspension, which was contained in a letter dated March 20 and titled, ‘Suspension of Your Membership From Ajaka Ward 1,’ was officially signed by 27 members of the executive team of the ward, including ex-officials.

High-ranking members of the party including the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; North Central Vice Chairman, Kogi State Chairman, Kogi East Zonal Chairman and the State Party Chairman were equally sent a copy of the letter for endorsement.

In the letter, Yakubu was accused of insubordination, gross misconduct, unguided statement, running parallel party structure and encouraging factionalism in the party.

It also stated that his suspension took place with immediate effect.

But the matter took a twist on Friday when Omale Danladi, the same Ward Chairman who signed the letter swore that he knew nothing about the purported suspension.

In an affidavit secured at the High Court of Justice Kogi State and made available to our reporter, Danladi disclosed the report as false, stating that the letter must have been orchestrated by some mischief makers within the party.

He stated, “We, the leadership of our great Party in Ward 1, at Ajaka in Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State hereby deny the purported letter of the suspension alongside all the allegations. They are completely frivolous, false and a calculated attempt by political enemies to tarnish the image of the generality of the ward excos and to distract and frustrate Yakubu’s selfless political ambition.

“The falsehood of mischief makers become more glaring from the inclusion of the name and signature of our deceased Welfare Secretary, Danjuma Sani Ejika, who died on April 13, 2022 on a purported document containing the names and signatures of Ajaka Ward 1 Exco members present at the purported meeting whereat the decision to suspend you was reached.

“While we regret all the inconveniences and pandemonium occasioned by this mischievous act of the political enemies, may we use this medium to reiterate our unalloyed support for you before, during and after the elections and to further assure you that, with your unmatched records and by the grace of God, your victory in the forthcoming elections is assured.”

When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, disclosed that he has not been following the drama because of his absence.

He said, “There is no update on it and I don’t have any official information about that suspension or any discussion regarding it. Besides, I am presently not in Abuja and not privy to any correspondence for now.”

A member of the NWC and vice chairman for APC South-East, Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, had expressed surprise about Yakubu’s suspension.

“I am aware that certain party stalwarts were axed in the last couple of days. But I am not aware that Yakubu was among those suspended at the local level.

“The truth is that I spoke with him about an hour ago and he didn’t appear worried or show any form of concern at all. If he is truly suspended, that would be worrisome. This is because, to the best of my knowledge, Yakubu has shown a lot of support to the party, in fact in the whole of Kogi State.

“Unless there is a power struggle somewhere, which I am not aware of, he is a great guy. As I earlier said, we have just had a very long conversation and he didn’t betray any emotion.”