Jibrin: No Fair Hearing in NNPP Expulsion, But I Accept in Good Faith

The member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, has said he was denied fair hearing before his expulsion from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), but has chosen to accept the decision in peace.

The Kano State chapter of the NNPP announced Kofa’s expulsion on Saturday, citing alleged anti-party activities and failure to pay party dues.

Reacting through a post on his Facebook page, Kofa said no organ of the party gave him an opportunity to defend himself, adding that due process and justice were ignored.

“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 a few days ago in English and Hausa should not warrant such heavy penalty because it is in tandem with the core principles of our party and movement which allows for dissenting views overtly or covertly. 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 said.

He added: “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. 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.”

The lawmaker noted that while he could have challenged the expulsion in court, he opted to part ways with the party in peace.

“While I would have loved to stay in the NNPP and continue my service to our people and country despite differences on some issues (which I will address elaborately in due course to avoid people being misled), the party has made and announced a decision. I am therefore obliged to accept the decision of the party in good faith and without grudges. But for the respect I have for the party, its members and leaders, I would have viewed this action as null and void… I will rather wish the party well and go in peace. I beg the party to allow me also go in peace,” he added.

On the allegation of non-payment of dues, Kofa urged the party not to drag him to court but to simply send him an invoice.

“I am appealing 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 said.

Kofa further criticized the party’s attitude towards valuing members, saying: “The party’s position on political value is no news to me. The party does not believe anybody has political value and come short in treating people with the respect they deserve at various levels. This case is a clear instance. I am grateful to the Almighty for whatever value I have, no matter how little and will be more than glad to invest it where it will be appreciated with dignity.”

He thanked the NNPP for the support he enjoyed during his time with the party and said he is proud of his contributions, whether acknowledged or not.

Looking ahead, Kofa said he would carefully weigh his political options before deciding his next move.

“I welcome all my supporters who wish to join me in my new journey. But for those who chose to remain in NNPP, I hold no grudges against them and I look forward to keeping a peaceful and harmonious relationship with them both at the local, state and national levels. Finally, I will carefully weigh all the options before me as I decide on my next political home,” he stated.