The State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has ratified the suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel and Hon. Kunle Folarin over alleged anti-party activities by their respective wards.

This was contained in a statement signed by the party’s Director of Publicity, Olufemi Nuberu, noting that the meeting was presided over by the State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, on Tuesday.

He explained that the 16 members present at the meeting considered the reports of the Disciplinary Committees investigating allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities against the two members in Ward 4 and Ward 6 of Sagamu Local Government Area, respectively.

It was gathered that Ward 4, Sagamu, constituted a Disciplinary Committee to probe the alleged misconduct bordering on anti-party activities committed by Senator Gbenga Daniel.

Similarly, Ward 6, Sagamu, set up a Disciplinary Committee on allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities allegedly committed by Hon. Kunle Folarin.

According to the statement, the committees wrote to the members under investigation, inviting them to appear before the panels for a fair hearing and to defend themselves against the allegations.

However, both Daniel and Folarin reportedly failed to respond to the invitations, failed to submit written defences, and also failed to attend the disciplinary sittings where they were expected to present their cases.

The statement reads, “In view of their deliberate and unexplained absences, the Committees deliberated as scheduled, heard from the available witnesses, considered the available documentary evidence, and deliberated on the allegations.

“In addition to the above, the Committees received notice that the members under investigation had been harassing party members and warning members against cooperating with the Committees, and further that the members under investigation had been using their statuses within the party to pressure party members to withdraw the petitions against them.

“In view of this development, 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 Committees’ inquiry. Copies of the letters of indefinite suspension had been sent to the State Chairman for consideration and approval of the State Working Committee.

“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. The meeting demonstrates the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding its constitution.” (Nigerian Tribune)