Edo: APC suspends gov’s appointee

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has suspended Valentine Asuen, chairman of the Edo State Forestry Commission and an appointee of Governor Monday Okpebholo. Asuen was suspended over alleged acts of indiscipline and conduct said to be in violation of the party’s constitution. In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Barr. Peter […]

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has suspended Valentine Asuen, chairman of the Edo State Forestry Commission and an appointee of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Asuen was suspended over alleged acts of indiscipline and conduct said to be in violation of the party’s constitution.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the party said the suspension was in line with Article 21 of the APC Constitution (2022, as amended), which outlines offences and disciplinary measures for members whose actions threaten the stability of the party.

The statement accused Asuen, a former state youth leader of the party, of engaging in activities that incited division and undermined the spirit of loyalty expected of APC members.

“Such behaviour, as attributed to Asuen, attracts sanctions including suspension. Edo APC is committed to discipline and internal democracy. It will not tolerate acts capable of destabilising the party or creating disaffection among its members,” the statement read in part.

It also dismissed claims that party appointments were being influenced by the State Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah, insisting that all appointments so far had been equitably distributed across the state by Governor Okpebholo, including in Oredo Local Government.

Asuen was the APC candidate in the 2020 Edo South senatorial election, which was won by Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party.