A group of Body of Christ Party (BCP) members have accused party president Tomas Festus of abusing his authority, violating the party’s constitution and misusing funds intended for political activities.
In a petition read out by party secretary Beata Ndinondjene at Ondangwa on Friday, the members claim tensions began when Festus allegedly started threatening members, insisting that because he is a member of parliament, his instructions must be followed regardless of whether they are right or wrong.
According to the group, Festus initiated unilateral reforms within the party without any formal consultation or adherence to the BCP constitution.
“We noted with great concern how you are acting against the constitution you drafted yourself. To begin with, you have misused your power to illegally misuse funds that was meant for the party,” the members say in the petition.
They further allege that the president repeatedly received money from the party for attending parliamentary committee meetings outside Windhoek, despite members of parliament already receiving subsistence and travel allowances from parliament.
The group also claim that Festus received an annual travel allowance of N$20 000 from the party.
“We have noted with great concern how you misuse your power by threatening whoever tries to correct, guide or advise you,” the petition reads.
“You tell people you are the sole owner of the party, that you can fire, replace or reform without consulting the executive, even though the party belongs to all of us.”
The members insist the BCP is not a private entity and that they all contributed to building it.
Contacted for comment, Festus denied the allegations, saying he does not claim money from the party.
“I already get money from parliament when I perform parliamentary duties,” he said.
He added that those who protested at Ondangwa on Friday are not BCP members but individuals who have already been expelled from the party
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