By Abiola Olawale
A fresh crisis might be around the corner in Kano state as a faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has suspended Governor Abba Yusuf for six months.
The Board of Trustees of a faction of the NNPP said it suspended the Governor over alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
According to the National Secretary of the party, Comrade Oginni Olapos, Yusuf’s suspension comes after a recent invitation was extended to him to appear before a disciplinary committee to explain infractions on the party’s constitution.
The Party Secretary revealed that Gov Yusuf was expected to clarify his participation in an illegal/factional national convention organized by the Kwankwasiya group despite being elected on the NNPP’s platform.
Briefing the media, Oginni said: “We called this conference to inform you of the developments resulting from the recent invitation extended to Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano to appear before a disciplinary committee to explain infractions on the party constitution.
“Nigerians need to know the position of the New Nigeria People’s Party following the failure of the governor to appear before the Disciplinary Committee as directed by the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party at the National Headquarters located at Willand Plaza, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja to explain the reason why His Excellency who was elected on the party’s platform and a national figure of NNPP participated in an illegal/ factional national convention held by the Kwankwasiya group at A Class Event Centre, Wuse 2 Abuja on Saturday 6th April, 2024.
“In accordance with Article 39 subsection 4 of our Constitution, a Disciplinary Committee headed by Barrister Monday Mawah as Chairman and Prince Adetoyese Omakanye as Secretary was set up, and Governor Abba was expected to appear before it on Monday 15th April 2024 but failed and never give any reason for his inability to appear.
“In accordance with Article 39.0, 39(1-4) on disciplinary procedures, His Excellency Abba Yusuf was availed with an unfettered opportunity to explore all openings to resolve the issues being investigated as stipulated therein in relation to allegations of gross misconduct brought against him, he, however, failed to take advantage of this by not appearing.
“His Excellency Gov Abba Yusuf, who was expected to appear and explain to the Committee the reason why Article 39.6 (e,f & g) shall not be invoked as sanctions against him as a member of New Nigeria People’s Party failed to make the committee to submit its report including recommendations for the urgent consideration of the National Working Committee.
“The leadership of NNPP to strengthen our internal disciplinary and democratic measures, most especially in the area of Party supremacy without prejudice, is left with no other options than to decisively take necessary action according to the letters of NNPP constitution 2022 as amended.
“With the approval of the Board of Trustees of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the unanimous decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, His Excellency, Gov Abba Yusuf of Kano State is hereby suspended for six months with immediate effect”.
