At its sixth National Council (NC) meeting held in Windhoek on Saturday, Nudo suspended more than 10 members for allegedly undermining and questioning the authority and legal status of the party’s leadership. 

The suspended members are accused of chasing the party’s administrative secretary from the party’s head office, and replacing all locks to deny others access to the premises. 

The banished members are Chief Rukambe Uazukuani, Tjizapouzeu Uahupirapi, George Muesee, Samuel Kaijata, Ngavipangurue Makari, Lazarus Kaapama, Nduno Mbaha, Ernie Putuaota, Mbahimua Kamukuendjandje, Okeri Uakurama and Clay Katjihingua, the party announced on Saturday. 

In a press statement, the Utjiua Muinjangue-led Nudo leadership said the suspended members unlawfully went against party guiding instruments, and set up an interim committee to replace the current leadership. 

The members were suspended for having contravened Article 11 (2.1) and other related clauses of the party’s constitution, it was stated. 

“Furthermore, the National Council equally resolved to suspend one of its branch coordinators in the Okakakara constituency, Moses Veziruapi Kangumba, for recording and circulating audios on social media platforms

which contain threats to the lives of the leadership of the party, and sowing division within the party. These audios have already been given to the relevant authorities, as they contain hate speech,” the statement pointed out.

“Owing to acts of sabotage and the sowing of division by some members, the National Council resolved that with immediate effect, the party will take any legal action against anyone who acts against the interests of the party and its leadership. Hence, the office of the secretary general was mandated to mobilise resources for a possible litigation process,” continued the statement. 

Staying on

Meanwhile, Saturday’s NC gathering resolved to extend the tenure of all current leadership structures until the next congress. It was also decided that subject to financial availability, the party should reschedule its congress to May next year. 

A resolution was taken to call for an electoral college on 5 October 2024, to be preceded by a National Council meeting on 4 October 2024, which will set the rules and procedures of the electoral college.

“The National Council, subject to the provisions of the party constitution, reaffirms the decision taken by the National Executive Committee during the meeting of
13 July 2024: ‘To call off the congress as a strategic decision to mitigate the risks and life-threatening situation that prevailed at the congress venue that night.’ 

Furthermore, all National Council members and those who were aspirants for the presidential position will contest for the parliamentary list. The National Executive Committee will establish a committee to work on the manifesto to be completed before the National Council meeting in October 2024.  The National Executive Committee resolved to respectfully welcome any Nudo member(s) who are willing to engage with the party leadership on issues pertinent to the party’s development, it said.

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na