The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Abia State chapter has suspended the Party Chairman, Mr Don Norman Obinna, over petitions alleging misconduct, high-handedness and aversion to party principles.
His suspension was announced during the harmonisation meeting of all factions of the ADC at the Nobik International Event Centre in Aba on Friday.
Mr C.C. John, the party’s Deputy Social/Welfare Secretary, had petitioned the leadership, accusing Don Norman of authoritarian leadership and mismanagement of party property, including the alleged sale of two party vehicles.
Moderating the meeting, the National Welfare Secretary, Nkem Ukandu, stated that the purpose of the meeting was mainly to harmonise the party in the State, settle disputes and make sure that positions are aligned to push the Party and the coalition forward.
He stated that the repositioning of the Party is paramount and urged all members to engage with the people at the grassroots to join the Party.
“What we want is for everyone to join the Party, so tell the people around you to be members of our great party. Our party now has the highest past and present elected members in the State, so let’s join hands to make sure that it is a party we can be proud of.”
Addressing members of the press at Nobik International Event Centre in Aba, the Interim Chairman of the Party, Mazi Okoroafor Kanu, said that the party decided to suspend Mr Don Norman for a series of party principles which he derided.
“I was formerly his deputy; he ran the party like his personal affairs. He doesn’t recognise anybody at the party, either the committee or the executive. We had two siennas, which he had sold.
“Even when we have meetings, he will talk and make decisions without listening to the opinions of anybody. The party looked into it and said, ‘Enough is enough.’
“The party does not belong to Don Norman. When the petition was written and submitted to the Party, we looked into it and suspended him with a motion.
A disciplinary committee was set up to investigate the petition levelled against the former Chairman, while the deputy Chairman, Mazi Kanu, was selected to Chair the Committee.
“In view of the petition against Don Norman, the State leadership moved a motion that Don Norman be suspended from the Party pending investigation into the allegation.
“A disciplinary committee to be chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Party will look into the matter of Don Norman while they invite Don Norman to appear before the Committee.”
Present at the meeting are Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (representing Abia South)
Etigwe Uwa, SAN
Uwaoma Olewengwa
Okey Ezeala
Barrister Kalu Kalu Agu (Zonal Legal Adviser)
The suspended chairman could not be reached for comment and has not reacted as of the time of filing this report.
