Expulsion of Prince Obi: Campaign for Democracy Violated Section 10 of the CD Constitution – IYA

The Integrity Youth Alliance has said that the Campaign for Democracy has violated Section 10 of the Campaign for Democracy (CD) constitution, which states that “The National Executive Council shall appoint on an ad-hoc basis 5 members to the disciplinary committee."

In a press release by the National Coordinator of the Group, Kelvin Adegbenga said that but in the case of Prince Obi, there was no ad-hoc committee formed. Neither was there a convention in this respect.

Excerpt is the full text of the press release:

The attention of Integrity Youth Alliance has been drawn to a communique issued by a purported National Executive Council (NEC) of Campaign for Democracy (CD) claiming to have expelled Comrade, Prince Goodluck Obi over some alleged anti- Campaign for Democracy activities.

As a Nigerian, Prince Obi has every rights to hold political and religious opinions and views which are enshrined and guaranteed by the1999 Nigerian Constitution.

It is on record that Prince Obi's activities on security and anti-corruption has been carried out on the platform of Centre for Civil Society and Justice (CCSJ) and not Campaign for Democracy (CD) nor has he represented CD in any of his public engagements.

Prince Obi track records in CD is unbeatable as he has held high profile positions including but not limited to Chairman, Lagos State Chapter. Chairman, CD South West, Nigeria.

Furthermore, our investigations has indicated that Prince Obi was not invited verbally or in writing to explain his activities in fighting corruption and improving security agenda of this administration of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.

Justice demands he is invited by a duly constituted authority to hear his own side of the allegations if disgruntled and mischievous minds are not plotting for their own blackmail.

According to Section 10 of the Campaign for Democracy (CD) constitution, the issue of discipline of any officer or member is well stated clearly that “The National Executive Council shall appoint on an ad-hoc basis 5 members to the disciplinary committee." But in this case, there was no ad-hoc committee formed. Neither was there a convention in this respect. What a shame on the organisation that is supposed to be an epitome of Justice, Human Rights and Rule of Law!

Therefore, we were surprised to hear that purported "3 member disciplinary committee" took the decision to expel Comrade, Prince Goodluck Obi.

We want to draw the attention of the so called NEC to Section 10:2 of the Campaign for Democracy constitution that states thus: "Provided that in the case of expulsion of a member or removal of an elected officer from office, only the Convention at the appropriate time shall have power to take such a decision."

We are aware of some individuals, especially Mr. Bako Abdul Usman, the so called President, CD and his predecessor, who benefitted from the previous political administration but are disgruntled by the lack of patronage owing to the change of government at the Federal level.

We call on Comrade, Prince Goodluck Obi to carry on with his patriotic duties to the Nation and ignore the unconstitutional decision of the shenanigans as corruption must be fought to a standstill in every strata of our society.

Enough is enough! Aluta continua, Victoria ascerta!

Kelvin Adegbenga

National Coordinator