By Ogun, Nigeria – The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, on Tuesday, August 19, suspended Gbenga Daniel, the senator representing Ogun East, and Kunle Folarin, one of the senator’s loyalists. The issued statement was signed by Nuberu Olufemi, Director of Publicity, Ogun APC. According to the statement, the decision to suspend Daniel and Folarin, both members of the APC from Ward 4 and Ward 6 in Sagamu Local Government Area, respectively, was taken at the State Working Committee meeting held on Tuesday and presided over by the state chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi.
Their suspension followed a review of the reports from the investigation and disciplinary committees of Ward 4 and Ward 6, which were set up to probe allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities against the duo. The statement noted, “Ward 4, Sagamu Local Government set up a disciplinary committee on the alleged misconduct bordering on anti-party activities committed by Senator Gbenga Daniel. Similarly, Ward 6, Sagamu Local Government established a disciplinary committee on the allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities allegedly committed by Hon. Kunle Folarin.”
The statement further explained that the members under investigation were contacted and invited to the disciplinary meetings to defend themselves with evidence or request pardon, but both individuals failed to respond to the opportunity given to them. The statement additionally revealed that, “In view of their deliberate and unexplained absence, the committees deliberated as scheduled, heard from the available witnesses, considered the available documentary evidence, and discussed the allegations. Furthermore, the committees received notice that the members under investigation had been harassing party members and warning them against cooperating with the committees.”
It was further alleged that Gbenga Daniel and Kunle Folarin had been using their positions within the party to pressure members to withdraw the petitions against them. Based on the released statement, it is in light of the foregoing developments that “the committees resolved to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and to eliminate interference by the members under investigation. Upon due consideration, the committees suspended the members indefinitely, pending further investigation and the outcome of the inquiry.”
The statement also revealed that copies of the letters of indefinite suspension had been sent to the state chairman for consideration and approval by the State Working Committee. The statement concluded by stating that “The suspensions were based on the members’ failure to cooperate with the investigation and their attempts to pressure party members to withdraw petitions against them. The SWC has ratified the suspensions. This meeting demonstrates the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding its constitution.”
