By Banji Ayoola
Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expelled the lawmaker representing the council area’s constituency in the state’s House of Assembly, Hon Success Torukerijoh.
He is one of the nine lawmakers opposing the impeachment of the state’s deputy governor, Hon Agboola Ajayi. Fourteen others are supporting the impeachment move.
Already, the deputy governor, who decamped from the ruling APC about two weeks ago, is aspiring to fly the ticket of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the October 10 governorship election. His boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is also seeking a return as APC flag bearer in the same election.
Torukerijoh was reportedly expelled for involving in alleged anti-party activities at a meeting of the leaders of the party in the local government
held at Igbekebo, the local Government headquarters, at the weekend.
Insisting on his resignation having ditched APC, the leaders also criticised the Deputy Governor over his refusal to vacate office even when he had castigated the party that brought him to office.
The meeting was presided over by the State Deputy Chairman of the APC, Agabra Ikoto Atili, and attended by notable leaders including the commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo, and deputy chief of Staff, Jimi Kuforiji, among others.
According to the leader, Torukerijoh was expelled for anti-party activities and misrepresentation of the APC at the State Assembly.
The motion for the deputy governor to resign and the expulsion of the lawmaker was moved by Hon Richard Omosehin and seconded jointly by Ojogo and Hon Corporal Nanaopiri.
Reacting, Torukerijoh said his expulsion is illegal and embarrassing adding that his purported expulsion has again shown clearly that the leadership of the party has run out of any iota of decency.
He noted that his refusal to sign the impeachment process of the Deputy Governor represents the popular wishes of the greatest number of his constituents.
He said: “This harassment and intimidation by the Speaker, Rt Hon David Oloyelogun to force me to sign against my conscience and convictions show the desperation and agony of a ‘Fortunate Fool’ who finds himself in the position he lacks the intellectual capacity to cope with.
“l am not oblivious of the backing of Mr. Governor in all of these clandestine moves to conscript my humble self to sign at all cost and by all means.
He added that ” Let me reiterate my commitment to holding on to this noble cause. I remain focused”
