The Chairman of the Labour Party in Cross River, Ogar Osim, refuted claims that he had been suspended by the party during a recent phone interview. He declared the news to be false and without any validity.
As per an official press release, Osim, along with the party’s Secretary Felix Etim, were purportedly suspended due to alleged instances of anti-party conduct and financial mismanagement.
The press release bore the signatures of the State disciplinary committee’s Chairperson, Bonnie Adie, and Secretary Ibiang Igri. Furthermore, they disclosed the temporary appointments of Eugene Obia as the acting Chairman and Allen Ekpe as the acting Secretary.
“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.
However, Osim, who was also the governorship candidate of the party during last year’s general election, said the purported suspension was not from the party and should be discountenanced.
“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 disciplinary committee?
“At my level, my suspension, if at all, can only emanate from the National Secretariat.”
