The federal lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji constituency, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kofa, has said he accepts his expulsion from the Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in good faith, but condemned the decision as a breach of due process and fair hearing.
In a letter made available to journalists in Kano on Saturday, Kofa said:
“It came as a surprise and a rude shock, my sudden expulsion from the NNPP. I strongly believe the contents of the interview I granted few days ago in English and Hausa should not warrant such heavy penalty because the interview was in tandem with the core principles of the party and Kwankwasiyya movement which allowed for dissenting views overtly or covertly.”
The lawmaker insisted that his comments were consistent with the ideals of the movement, stressing that he stood by every word.
“I expected the party to pick lessons from the interview. For the purpose of emphasis, I stand by all the statements I made in the interviews,” he stated.
Kofa said the expulsion failed to follow the minimum standards of justice.
“No invitation was extended to me to defend or explain myself by any organ of the party and in the process, neglecting the very important principle of fair hearing, due process and justice that the NNPP cry out loud and demand from others,” he said.
Drawing a comparison, he noted that even military governments allowed for some form of defence.
“Even under military dictatorship, an accused is subjected to a court martial. Perhaps, if the appropriate processes were followed, the need for such harsh decision to force me out of a party and family I love so dearly may not be necessary,” he added.
On allegations of non-payment of dues, Kofa dismissed any deliberate refusal and expressed readiness to comply.
“On the issue of non-payment of dues, I appealed to the party that there is no need to go to court as I have never refused to pay my dues. I respectfully request the party to send me the invoice and I will promptly pay,” he declared.
Ahmad Sorondinki
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