THE National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Alliance for Democracy (AD),
on Wednesday, in Abuja, suspended its National Chairman, Chief Joseph Avazi for gross misconduct, anti-party activities, incompetence, lack of accountability and administrative acumen.
It, therefore, approved the mandate of the National Auditor of the party, Alhaji Ayodele Ismail to act as National Chairman, pending the outcome of the investigation on the allegations made on the suspended chairman.
Other allegations against Chief Avazi were perjury, taking unilateral decisions, lack of consultation, dictatorship and turning the party to a family affairs by illegally engaging his brother to carry out the responsibilities of the National secretary without the consent and approval of the party.
The NEC also approved the setting up of a seven-man disciplinary committee to investigate the allegations levelled against him in line with relevant provisions of the AD constitution.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting in Abuja, the party National Publicity Secretary, Mrs Nola Morufat Olayinka, said the NEC also passed a vote of confidence in the party`s gubernatorial candidate, for November 18 election in Anambra State, Chief Nze Val Ugo-Akpe Onwuka, and also resolved to work for the victory of the party during the forthcoming election.
The NEC further filled the vacancies in the South East Geo-political zone for the office of the Zonal Chairman as Mr. Perry Iloegbuna and Assistant Legal Adviser as Barrister Ken Emekowa.
It also approved the uniform conduct of state congresses and mandated the National Working Committee (NWC) to fix a date and communicate same to all state chapters.
The party then urged the Federal Government to dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Residents Doctors with a view to resolving their grievances which led to the industrial actions.
It also sympathized with the flood victims in Benue State and urged the Federal and State Governments, as well as non-governmental organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the victims of the natural disaster.