By Austin Ogwuda
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) & Public Information, Charles Aniagwu has claimed that he was suspended because he turned down the request of some Executive members of APC in his (Akumazi) Ward, who wanted him to support their returning back to continue.
Speaking on ARISE News ‘Morning Show’ on Sunday, Aniagwu said the controversy arose following the ongoing Ward Congress activities and internal arrangements linked to party primaries.
According to him, “Certain individuals who currently serve as Caretaker Committee members in the Ward had sought my endorsement as Ward leader to return to their positions through a non consensus arrangement; which to me amounts to imposition.
*Embattled Commissioner Charles Aniagwu
“They came and said they needed me as the leader of that ward to endorse them and bring them back. I said no problem, you can come back, but come to the general leadership meeting. If the leadership believes that you need to come back, it will be fine.
“The ward leadership insisted on adhering to established zoning arrangements that had ensured peace within the party at the grassroots level.
“The leadership”, he went on, “believes that because of certain zoning… it also happens at the level of the wards we needed to respect the zoning agreement that has always given us peace. The individuals who were unable to secure their return through consensus allegedly resorted to what he described as unconstitutional measures.
“Because they were not fortunate to come back into the EXCO by way of the consensus arrangement, they went ahead to begin to rape the Constitution of the APC”, he explained.
Aniagwu, in conclusion faulted the said suspension. He argued that any legitimate disciplinary process must follow constitutional procedures, including formal complaints, investigation, and fair hearing.
“If they want to follow the process, they should go and call a meeting, set up a committee, even write me, and then tell me these are the allegations against you, which, they did not follow”.
*The said suspension letter
