AKP's Nevşehir Mayor resigns from office and the party

* Photo: muskarahaber.com

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While it was alleged that he was summoned to the Central Office of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) with a request for his resignation, AKP's Nevşehir Provincial Mayor Rasim Arı has resigned from office as the mayor and from the membership of the AKP.

Arı submitted his resignation to the Governor's Office of Neşehir on Friday (January 29), citing his health problems as the reason for resigning.

According to allegations, there was pressure on Arı to resign as he was investigating the corruption of the AKP's former Nevşehir Mayor. The Ministry of Interior reportedly assigned two inspectors to investigate the issue.

Arı made a statement for the press at the Cappadocia Cultural Center following his resignation. Some of the attendees were seen crying.

Addressing the audience at the center, Arı said, "I have undertaken massive works in Nevşehir for almost two years. But I have been worn out a lot, both physically and mentally. Now, due to my health problems, I am resigning from office as the mayor, a duty which I have been fulfilling with pride, honor and dignity and with my head held high for 21 months. I have not obtained an ill-gotten gain. I will live in this city, I will keep living here." (HA/SD)