The disciplinary committee set up by South East zone of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has indicated Abia State chapter Chairman of the party, Mr. Obinna Don Norman.
The committee in its report signed by the Chairman, Dr. Maurice Ede Nnaemezie, Secretary, Barr. Chioma Anyanwu and member, Hon. Chilos Godsent, also recommended for Norman’s ban from holding any position within the party.
Norman had earlier been suspended by the party on allegations of insubordination and financial impropriety.
The committee’s report, which is however subject to ratification by the National Working Committee (NWC), found the embattled Chairman guilty of unauthorised sale of party vehicles without the consent of the state executive, the zonal office, or ADC national secretariat.
He was also found guilty of obstructing membership registration, frustrating grassroots mobilisation, and engaging in actions that weakened the party’s image in Abia State.
“These acts amount to deliberate sabotage and a violation of the ADC constitution and guiding principles,” the committee stated.
It refused to accept Norman’s defense of personal sacrifices for the ADC, including furnishing the party’s secretariat with ₦30 million provided by his daughter, and his alleged refusal to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s persuasion to ensure that ADC did not field a governorship candidate in the last election, describing it as inconsistent with party record.
The embattled Chairman had told the committee that the two Sienna vehicles in question were his personal property, explaining that one was damaged in an accident while the other was sold.
But the committee dismissed his claim as false and misleading.
The committee in its recommendations stated as follow: “That Hon. Don Norman Obinna be barred from holding any office, pending ratification by the National Working Committee (NWC).
“The immediate steps be taken to recover party vehicles or its financial equivalent;
“Thorough investigation should be carried out to unravel the mismanagement of Abia ADC account….”
It directed his deputy, Mazi Kanu O. Kanu, be appointed acting state Chairman.
It was gathered that ADC NWC will meet on Tuesday in Abuja to deliberate on the committee’s recommendations.
The zonal Chairman Sir Bon Unachukwu had inaugurated the committee to investigate the dispute in the state chapter of the party.
