The Edo South Unity Forum, has slammed the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Orhionmwon local government area chapter, over what it described as the public branding of its publicity secretary, Mr. Osazuwa Ogiemwonyi, as being involved in financial misconduct without due process.
The group said its concern was not with the party’s internal disciplinary procedures but with what it termed the premature publication of allegations capable of portraying Ogiemwonyi as guilty before any independent investigation or lawful determination had been concluded.
In a statement jointly signed by its president, Dr. Bright Omoregie, and secretary, Hon. Charles Osariemen Agbonison, the forum stated that every Nigerian is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty through a fair, transparent and impartial process.
It argued that while political parties are free to discipline their members in line with their constitutions, publicly accusing an individual of financial impropriety without establishing the facts through due process amounts to trial by media and could inflict lasting damage on the person’s reputation.
The group said: “The publication of such allegations not only undermines the rights of the individual concerned but also erodes public confidence in democratic institutions and discourages young people from active participation in politics.”