By Tony Adibe
The Congress of Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), an elite pan-Igbo development and civilization group, has suspended 11 of its former officers for engaging in alleged subversive conducts aimed at undermining and destroying the foundation.
Addressing a press conference in Enugu on Wednesday, the Chairman of ADF Congress, Prof Uzodinma Nwala, said the suspended members are given two weeks to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the ADF Congress. “Failure to do so and/or if found guilty of the offences for which they are being charged, they are liable for expulsion from the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF),” Prof Nwala stated.
The former officers suspended included: Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, a former Chairman of ADF Business Committee; Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, former Treasurer of the ADF and Bishop Obi Udezue Onubogu, former Chairman of the ADF BOT. Others were: Dr J. C. Chukwuokolo, former Chairman of the Enugu Chapter of ADF; Mr Max Ozoaka, former member of the ADF Legal Bureau and Mr Abia Onyeike, former Acting Secretary of ADF among others.
Prof Nwala also said that the former members were suspended by conducting election meant to seize the leadership of the ADF. They were suspended for their refusal to respect the intervention and advice of some of the Elders of the ADF who had advised that Election into the Offices of the ADF should be held on April 11, 2024, according to him.
Nwala said: “The day they carried out this sham selection at Enugu was the day the President of ADF, Emeritus Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, was hosting guests including several ADF leaders at his home in Imo State in honour of his beloved daughter’s traditional marriage.
“The Elders of ADF had ruled against any election on this date to show respect to Prof Nwala, who had meritoriously led the ADF for ten years, as well as served the Nigerian State and Igbo nation in worthy roles and initiatives most of his life. “The Elders had proposed the election to be held on April 11, 2024. But these men in their bid to satisfy their personal interests and those of their sponsors will not respect any limit because they believe that Nigeria is a lawless country.”
He explained that the suspended members refused to abide by the authority of the ADF Council and setting up an illegal Election Committee without the Authority of the Council of the ADF whose constitutional right it is to organize election.
