NRA president 'forced out' after alleging financial impropriety within gun lobby's leadership

Posted April 28, 2019 09:05:18 Photo: Oliver North said he was in the process of forming a committee to examine financial matters. (AP: Michael Conroy) [1] The president of the US's powerful gun lobby, the National Rifle Association, has announced he will step down less than a year into the role, saying he is being forced out due to his allegations that NRA leaders engaged in financial improprieties. Key points:Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North was elected as NRA president in May 2018He has alleged that several NRA leaders have engaged in financial misconduct and wanted to investigate the matterLt Col North played a central role in the controversial 1980s Iran-Contra affair In a letter read to the organisation's annual meeting in Indianapolis by an NRA board member, retired US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North — a conservative commentator best known for his central role in the 1980s Iran-Contra affair — said he had hoped to stand for re-election when his term ends on Monday."I am now informed that will not happen," Lieutenant Colonel North said in the letter.His departure came after NRA chief executive Wayne LaPierre accused Lieutenant Colonel North of trying to oust him by threatening to release "damaging" information about him, according to a letter from Mr LaPierre to NRA board members that was published by the Wall Street Journal on Friday.NRA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Lieutenant Colonel North, 75, who was named by the NRA as its president in May 2018, was a pivotal figure in the Iran-Contra affair involving secret sales of arms to Iran by Republican President Ronald Reagan's administration and the unlawful diversion of the proceeds to Nicaraguan rebels.The NRA, with more than 5 million members, is by far the most powerful and well-connected gun lobby in the United

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