Joseph Ofori, aka Ayatola
The Awudum branch Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tema East Constituency, Joseph Ofori, has been suspended for allegedly openly campaigning for the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Daniel Nii Kwetei Titus-Glover.
Known popularly as Ayatola, Joseph was said to be ostensibly preaching ‘skirt and blouse’ against the parliamentary candidate of Tema East, Robert Kempes Ofosuware, in order to pave way for the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Isaac Ashai Odamtten, to lead the NDC in the year 2020.
The bad blood between the suspended party member who happens to be an aide to the MCE and Kempis started after he was arrested by the Tema police and detained upon the request of the former MCE of Tema.
A statement signed by the Constituency Secretary, Baba Abu Abdulai, intercepted by the DAILY GUIDE revealed, “Reference to the code of conduct and disciplinary code under the constitution of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). You are, hereby, suspended as a member of the party and as Organiser of the W?l?mo Branch of Tema East Constituency with immediate effects.”
According to the party, they had received numerous complaints to the effect that the branch organiser has been sabotaging the parliamentary candidate-elect in the constituency.
“Thus, is as a result of numerous complaints received by the constituency executive committee from the branch members about your misconduct in the area by supporting openly the opponent against our parliamentary candidate in the constituency.
“As such you are clearly in breach of the rules of conduct for the party members which raises legitimate questions on your commitment, dedication and loyalty to the party of which you are under an oath. This matter is a subject of party disciplinary action upon completion of the investigations,” the suspension letter stated.
Mr Ofori has been further suspended as a member of the party beside his position, and asked not to engage himself in any party activity.
“The constituency executive committee in accordance with Clause 1 of Article 46, in a unanimous resolution moved for your suspension from all party activities and holding yourself as a branch organiser until the matter is completely determined,” the letter dated October 17, 2016 and copied to the branch secretary warned.
When Baba Abu was contacted by the DAILY GUIDE via telephone, he confirmed the suspension, saying, “This is internal party matters so forget it.”
From Vincent Kubi, Tema