At a press conference he gave to local newsmen here, ESDL chairman Dr. Abdulmejid Hussein said that the position was taken following a two-day consultation meeting of the League's executive committee members who overwhelmingly voted against what he described as a disruptive act.
According to him, the League, at its October 6-7 meeting, came up with a five-point decision which included the formation of a five man fact-finding committee to inquire into the matter and promptly report to the League. The League also decided that the entire executive committee members of the State be given renewed vote of confidence by the state council.
Those who are allegedly involved in the coup attempt are put under house arrest until the fact-finding committee compiles its report, according to the League chairman.
Meanwhile, the incumbent president reportedly handed in a resignation letter to ESDL, saying that he could not work "smoothly" with most of the executive committee members of the State government. Dr. Abdulmejid said that his letter has since been referred to the State Council's extraordinary meeting scheduled to convene in Jijiga tomorrow.
The accusations leveled against the president included that he opposed the planned merger between the ESDL and the ONLF: that he takes actions in contravention of the state constitution; and that he was accountable for the failure of some development projects.
Asked if the apparent mishap poses any threat to the planned ESDL- ONLF merger, Dr. Abdulmejid said: "If the fact-finding committee concludes that ONLF had a hand in the destabilization process, I guess so." He also asked that the figure in his last week's statement be corrected. According to him the decision to oust the president was taken by 20 of the 35 executive committee members of the league.
It was said that the condemnation was reached by 33 of the 35 ESDL executive committee members, including many of those who were involved in the conspiracy but regretted their fault.
Dr. Abdulmejid Hussein gave the press conference together with Ato Shemsedin Ahmed and Ato Abdulaziz Ahmed, secretary and member of the league, respectively.
_____ Xinhua