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I Decide When To Petition National Council � Afoko Tells Critics

Suspended National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Paul Afoko has rebuffed attacks from his critics over his delay in petitioning the party’s National Council (NC) over his suspension, saying he decides when he wants to make such a move.

Mr Afoko has been bashed by a section of the public for not resorting to the party’s NC early enough to address his concerns weeks after his suspension, a situation which led to confrontations in Asawase constituency in Ashanti Region last Friday, during which one NPP member was stabbed to death.

The embattled Mr Afoko, on Monday petitioned the National Council of the party against constitutional breaches that led to what he described as the usurpation of his post.

The petition among others said the National Disciplinary Committee receipt of the petition of grievances in writing from the National Council of Elders directly without giving the said petition of grievances first to the NC was in violation of Articles 4(3)(d) and 4(5)(a) of the NPP Constitution.

Additionally, the National Council of Elders, as a body, had no capacity to make a complaint in writing against any member of the NPP, while the petition by NEC against him “not being disciplinary infractions was submitted to the DC in violation of the NPP constitution”.

“That the DC’s refusal to give a ruling on the preliminary objections raised by the National Chairman’s lawyers to the petition of the National Council of Elders and the DC by never at any time during its proceedings informing Mr Paul Afoko lawyers that the said petition was withdrawn but used as part of its basis to recommend the National Chairman’s indefinite suspension violate his rights to a fair trial.” The petition said.

Speaking on Kasapa FM, Spokesperson of Mr Afoko, Nana Yaw Osei stated that once the former was within the 21 days mandatory period within which to petition the National Council, he reserved the right to do that at his own preferred time.

He noted that in the event that Mr Afoko does not get a fair hearing from the National Council, he (Afoko) will not hesitate in proceeding to court to have his grievance addressed.

“The party’s structures must first be exhausted, but if there’s the need to go to court over this same issue, I will not rule out that. The courts are there to adjudicate on matters. I can only say there are interesting times ahead.”