APGA Suspends 3 Chieftains

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State has suspended three chieftains from the party for various anti-party activities.

They are Chief Onwuka Ukwa, a former Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Okechi Kalu and State Assistant Women Leader, Mrs. Chinasa John.

The party also suspended some local government chairmen of the party.

Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu, the state Chairman of the party, told newsmen in Aba on Thursday that the members were suspended at the State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held in Umuahia on August 16.

He said the SEC had set up a disciplinary committee, headed by Chief Ikechukwu Ukaogo, to try the persons within 14 days.

Ukaegbu said that they would be tried in accordance with Article 21 (1) (b) of the party’s constitution.

He said that the removal of the members was affirmed by the National Convention of the party on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 at Awka.

He condemned the election petition tribunals, which, the party said, were dismissing the party petitions in governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections on “flimsy grounds.”

Ukaegbu said the election petitions went beyond the interest of the parties appearing before the tribunal.

“It affects the larger society who may not directly be before the tribunal.”

He said that petitions that were dismissed on grounds that left much to be desired, also left the petitioners further aggrieved.

Ukaegbu said that it would become difficult to advice“ losers” of elections in future to seek redress in court.