The leader of the Labour Party in Cross River State, Ogar Osim, has denied that he has faced suspension from the party, Naija News reports.
According to the Daily Post, Osim told reporters that the report was false, stating that it had no legal standing.
Reports had surfaced in the media earlier stating that Osim was suspended together with Felix Etim, the Labour Party’s Secretary, due to accusations of anti-party activities and misappropriation of funds.
The said report was contained in a statement credited to the Chairman and the Secretary of the State’s disciplinary committee, Bonnie Adie and Ibiang Igri, in their respective roles.
Additionally, they declared the selection of Eugene Obia and Allen Ekpe as the interim Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
“The decision to relieve them of the positions was taken following a thorough investigation into allegations of gross misconduct, anti-party activities, inability to maintain a state secretariat, embezzlement, and other serious issues.
“We are confident that Mr Obia and Mr Ekpe that have been appointed in acting capacities will provide strong leadership and ensure the smooth functioning of the Labour Party in the State.
“We urge all members to cooperate with the new leadership and work together to achieve the party’s goals,” it stated.
Nonetheless, Osim, who also stood as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the previous year’s general election, claimed that the party did not issue the alleged suspension and should be disregarded.
“I remain the chairman of LP in Cross River State.
“The whole thing was concocted by one Nkoyo Otu, our erstwhile Women Leader whom we nominated for Governor Bassey Otu to appoint as Special Adviser on Inter-Party affairs.
“Who set up the disciplinary committee? Certainly not the party because I do not even know the persons constituting the so-called disciplinary committee.
“Normally, isn’t the legal officer of the party ought to constitute such a disciplinary committee?
“At my level, my suspension, if at all, can only emanate from the National Secretariat,” he said.
Osim claimed they had accused him of stealing money but didn’t specify the exact amount he took.
He also chuckled at the second accusation that he couldn’t ‘keep up’ with the party Secretariat.