Politics

Court Stops APC from Sacking Benue Chairman, Augustine Agada, Executives

Published

4 months ago

Aug 21, 2024.

A Benue High Court has issued an order preventing the All Progressives Congress (APC) from removing Augustine Agada as the state APC Chairman, along with the current party executives.

The ex parte order, granted by Justice Theresa Igoche in motion No MH/1585m/2024, was made public at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday. The court specifically directed the Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje-led National Working Committee of the APC not to dismiss the Austin Agada-led State Working Committee until their four-year tenure concludes.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Benue chapter of the APC has been embroiled in a dispute with Governor Hyacinth Alia over party leadership in the state. While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, supports the Agada-led committee, Governor Alia backs a faction led by Benjamin Omakolo.

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In anticipation of a potential unfavorable outcome, Agada sought and obtained a court order restraining any attempts to remove him and his executives.

Justice Igoche, in granting the ex parte application filed by Agada and eight others, ordered the APC to refrain from removing, replacing, or terminating their tenure until their four-year term is completed, pending the outcome of the motion on notice.

“I have reviewed the documents submitted with the application, particularly Exhibit MT ‘1’ attached to the supporting affidavit, and I am convinced that the application has merit,” the judge stated while granting Agada’s request. “Therefore, I grant the application as prayed.”

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The court ordered that the ruling be served to the APC immediately, along with the motion on notice, which is scheduled for hearing on August 28.

Speaking to journalists after serving the restraining order on the NWC at the party’s secretariat, Agada urged the APC leadership to respect the court’s decision and avoid causing further confusion in the state.

“We were elected for a four-year term, and while we are not preempting their actions, it’s clear that there have been movements by the governor and his agents to dissolve the State Working Committee, which is unfair by all standards,” Agada stated.

He recalled that the controversy over his removal began as early as February, but the NWC intervened, affirming him as the legitimate APC chairman as of January 31, 2024. Despite this, attempts were made to suspend him, but the Chief Justice of Benue State invalidated the suspension. The case is currently before the appellate court.

“This is the first time I’m speaking to the press about this. Is this how we are rewarded for the sacrifices we made to bring in the governor of Benue today? You can ask Alia himself; he hasn’t provided us with any support since becoming governor,” Agada added.

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