7th February, 2024
Leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State have suspended the Member representing Ahiazu State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon Samuel Otibe, from the party over unruly behaviour, embezzlement and mismanagement of election funds.
The leaders of the party announced the suspension unanimously after an emergency meeting in Owerri, the state capital.
This development is coming on the heels of an effort orchestrated by Mr Otibe to silence one Mr Ikenna Ohaeri.
Mr Ohaeri is said to be one of the youth coordinators of a non-profit organisation founded by the son of the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Multiple eyewitness accounts reported that armed police officers, acting on a frivolous petition written by Mr Otibe, arrested Mr Ohaeri after a reconciliation meeting convened by the State party Chairman, Dr Mcdonald Ebere.
According to a prominent party leader, the peace meeting ended very well as members were asked to withdraw all matters in court and allow the Committee to resolve all the differences. However, as members were about to depart, these policemen came to effect the arrest.
The party leaders, therefore, resolved that the action of Hon. Samuel Otibe is very deliberate to cause disaffection in APC so that he can decamp to the Labour Party, where he is preparing to run for House of Representatives in 2027.
The Leaders affirmed their disappointment in Mr. Otibe, who is said to be neither vocal nor sponsored any bill in the last eight years.