- Aniebonam expressed his dismay
Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for approving changes to the party’s logo, color, and constitution.
He revealed this while speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday .
Aniebonam accused Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and his supporters of disregarding court orders by organizing a national convention that INEC attended.
Aniebonam expressed his dismay, stating,
“I founded this party in 2001 with the aim of creating a space and choice for ordinary Nigerians. But it is no longer representing its name. All I wanted was a better Nigeria which Kwankwaso and the rest have frustrated. I am the founder and the chairman of the board of trustees of the party. It is also written in the constitution that I am a life member of the board. That means you cannot wake up tomorrow and say you have sacked me.
“But this Kwankwaso and his unemployed characters seem to be going about saying they have sacked the founder. Don’t you think something is wrong with them? Secondly, their penchant for disobeying the law and disrespecting court orders is unbelievable. You don’t have to be a lawyer to know that once a matter is before the court, everybody must remain in its original position pending the determination of the suit.
“Why are we then hearing that Kwankwaso has held a convention when the matter is in court? Yet, he and INEC were duly served. Why should INEC also attend that particular convention? That is nonsense. Again, why should INEC go to the extent of also approving the change in logo, flag and colour of the party?
“Here is the question: If you go to a bank to open a company account, won’t you be asked for relevant documents and the CAC certificate? The NNPP registration certificate is still in my possession. As of the time INEC approved the amending of the constitution and changing of the logo, didn’t it request the original certificate? What exactly is wrong with INEC? All I can say is that the chairman of INEC should improve on his supervision in the commission he is managing,” he stated.
In response, NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson refuted Aniebonam’s claims, calling them false.
“Aniebonam’s expulsion was valid as per our constitution. There was no court order maintaining the status quo.” He emphasized that party rules must be followed, stating, “No one is above the constitution, not even a founder.”
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