Paragraph 1: The Suspension of Aliyu Bello
The political landscape of Nasarawa State experienced a significant tremor on Tuesday as Aliyu Bello, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was suspended by the party’s leadership in Gayam Ward, Lafia Local Government Area. The suspension, announced during a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital, stemmed from allegations of anti-party activities leveled against Bello. The ward leaders accused him of actions that brought embarrassment to the party and undermined its efforts to achieve greater heights.
Paragraph 2: Grounds for Suspension
Ibrahim Iliyasu, the chairman of Gayam Ward, articulated the reasons for Bello’s suspension, citing specific violations of the APC Constitution. He emphasized that credible evidence and reports indicated Bello’s open promotion and campaigning for a member of a rival political party. This, according to Iliyasu, directly contravened Article 21 of the APC Constitution, which prohibits actions that bring the party into disrepute, engaging in anti-party activities, and supporting rival political parties. These actions, Iliyasu argued, constituted a grave breach of party loyalty and discipline.
Paragraph 3: Constitutional Basis for the Suspension
Iliyasu underscored the constitutional basis for the ward’s decision, referencing Article 21 (D) (i)-(iii) of the APC Constitution, which empowers ward executives to take disciplinary measures against erring members. He emphasized that the decision to suspend Bello was taken after extensive consultations with stakeholders within the ward. The suspension, he clarified, was pending further investigation and disciplinary action by higher party organs, including the Lafia Local Government APC Executive Committee, the Nasarawa State Executive Committee, and the National Working Committee (NWC).
Paragraph 4: Communication and Warning to Bello
The ward chairman stated that the resolution regarding Bello’s suspension would be communicated to the relevant higher party organs for ratification and further action. He also warned Bello against presenting himself as a member of the party pending the conclusion of the disciplinary process. The presence of other ward leaders, including the Ward Secretary, Legal Adviser, Public Relations Officer, and Women Leader, at the press briefing demonstrated a united front in support of the suspension.
Paragraph 5: Preceding Events and Party Reaction
The suspension of Bello followed closely on the heels of a statement issued by the state’s Publicity Secretary of the APC, Douglas Otaru, alleging a plot by a governorship aspirant to remove Bello from his position. Otaru’s statement, released just 24 hours before Bello’s suspension, questioned the constitutional authority of the ward officials to suspend a State Executive Committee Member. He warned that any party official found to be involved in such actions would face disciplinary action in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Paragraph 6: Implications and Future Developments
The suspension of Aliyu Bello has introduced a new dimension into the political dynamics within the APC in Nasarawa State. The differing perspectives of the ward leaders and the state Publicity Secretary suggest a potential internal power struggle. The subsequent actions of the higher party organs, particularly the Lafia Local Government Executive Committee, the State Executive Committee, and the NWC, will be crucial in determining the final outcome of this situation. The case highlights the importance of adherence to party constitutions and the potential consequences of engaging in activities perceived as detrimental to the party’s interests. The situation is likely to be closely monitored by political observers and stakeholders in the state.
