Civil organisation, official differ over expulsion

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has expelled its General Secretary, Mr. Obi Goodluck for allegedly involving in activities, which the organisation described as capable of bringing its integrity into disrepute.

The organisation also accused the embattled secretary of involving in partisan politics, which according to it was against its principles.

A communiqué issued and jointly signed by the President, Comrade Bako Abdul Usman and the group’s South West Chairman, Mr. Olaseinde Aina after an emergency meeting held by the National Executive Council (NEC) in Ondo State recently, stated that CD is not a partisan body, therefore any member that contradicts this principle and philosophy would be sanctioned accordingly.

It also vowed not to sit back and watch its age long collective reputation, integrity and democratic struggles be rubbished on the altar of personal interest, selfishness and be subjected to one’s whims and caprice”.

The organisation added that while Goodluck can not be denied of his fundamental rights to belong and hold personal political view or thought, it is indescribable and unimaginable that anyone holding the position of General Secretary of the organisation could stoop so low and fully engaged in partisan politics in full glare of other members of CD and the general public.”

“Having consulted with wide spectrum of opinion leaders and all stakeholders of the CD, the national administrative council (NEC) hereby expel Mr. Obi Goodluck from the group as his replacement will be announced at a later date.”

But Goodluck in his reaction through a statement described the allegations as “spurious and fabricated.” He insisted he remains a bonafide member of CD and is currently the National General Secretary of the organisation, saying, “Anything to the contrary should be ignored by all CD members and the general public.”

According t him, “It must be stated clearly that this latest attack is a series out of many sinister plot being orchestrated by some discredited individuals and interests who benefitted from the previous political order, but are disgruntled by the lack of patronage owing to the change of government at the federal level.”

He added: “Let it be placed on record, that the Campaign for Democracy (CD), being the foremost civil society organization in Nigeria remains irrevocably committed to its ideals for a better society and will not be distracted by the illegal and unconstitutional activities of some misguided elements who will face appropriate disciplinary actions for bringing the name of our esteemed organisation to disrepute.”

He added that as a Nigerian, his rights to hold political and religious opinions and views are enshrined and guaranteed by the1999 Constitution, which is the main law within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He said being a member of CD and indeed the National General Secretary for that matter, does not exclude me from enjoying membership of other non-governmental groups of my choice voluntarily, adding that: “since the alleged cited activities were conducted on the platform of Centre for Civil Society and Justice (CCSJ), a civil society organization and not CD nor representing it, it would amount to an infringement of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution for the so called NEC of the CD to attempt to regiment its members’ political or religious affiliation and thereby encroaching on their fundamental rights.”