The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the South-South has dismissed allegations of instability and disunity among party members, characterizing these claims as โerroneous assertionsโ by adversaries.
During a meeting held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday with the South-South State Chairmen, the party reaffirmed that there is no crisis within its framework.
In a statement co-signed by the South-South NNPP state chairmen, the party asserted that individuals such as Boniface Aniebonam, Agbo Major, and Oginni Olaposi are not recognized as members, emphasizing that they have been suspended and expelled due to various infractions.
The statement was signed by Elder Inemisit Akpan (Chairman of Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of State Chairmen), Joel Tubonimi (Chairman of Bayelsa State and Coordinator of South-South Zone Chairmen), Barr. Anthony Ogboriku Odeh (Chairman of Cross River State), Fred Ikponmwosa (Chairman of Edo State), Godson Green (Chairman of Rivers State), and Rex Ogboru (Chairman of Delta State).
It said: โWe categorically affirm that there is no crisis within the party and the aforementioned individuals โ Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major, Mr. Oginni Olaposi, and their associates โ are not recognized members of the NNPP.
โThese individuals were duly suspended and expelled from the party due to various offences and therefore lack any standing to claim membership or to represent themselves as officers of NNPP.โ
The chairmen underscored that the partyโs organizational framework remains stable under the guidance of Dr Ajuji Ahmed as National Chairman, Prince Onu Nwaeze as Deputy National Chairman, Dipo Olayoku as National Secretary, Barr. Ladipo Johnson as National Publicity Secretary, along with other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The chairmen from the South-South region of the NNPP expressed their appreciation to the 36 state chairmen and the leadership of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for their steadfast commitment to the party.
Additionally, they reiterated their allegiance to NNPP National Leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Governor of Kano State Abba Yusuf, Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly Jibail Falgore, and the NNPP representatives in both the Kano State House of Assembly and the National Assembly.
The statement added, โWe strongly frown upon the continuous erroneous references to Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, Dr. Agbo Major, and their associates in this context.
โWe have clearly outlined our national officers earlier in this press briefing and urge our media partners to be vigilant and accurate in their reportage. It is imperative for the integrity of our party that the correct designation of our officers is maintained.โ
The chairmen provided additional clarification regarding the official colours and symbols of the party, indicating that they are red and white, featuring an academic cap positioned atop a book, with the inscription โNNPPโ prominently displayed.
In response to concerns regarding the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the chairmen characterized it as a vital component of the NNPP, underscoring that their dedication and allegiance to the principles and initiatives of the NNPP are of great significance.
Any assertions suggesting that the Kwankwasiyya Movement represents a threat to the party or is attempting to seize control are completely unfounded and serve to advance a narrative propagated by the partyโs adversaries.
The South-South chairmen pledged their loyalty to the NNPP and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso while rejecting the activities of Aniebonam, Major, and their โexpelled followers.โ
They urged members to remain loyal and focused, dismissing distractions from former members as โmischievous plotsโ by agents seeking to destabilize the party, as seen in opposition parties in the country.
The NNPP reaffirmed its commitment to working toward the betterment of its constituents and the nation.