APC defies court ruling, dissolves Benue exco amid ongoing crisis
The crisis rocking the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress took another turn as the National Working Committee(NWC) of the ruling party announced the dissolution of the Austine Agada-led executives on Wednesday.
In their place, the NWC immediately inaugurated a seven-man caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the party at the state level for six months.
The newly installed committee comprises Benjamin Omale and Prof Bem Angwe as chairman and secretary, respectively.
Other members include Richard Mzungweve, James Ornguga, Terhemen Ngbea, Helen Agaigbe, and Ali Francis Adah.
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This change of leadership comes a few hours after a Benue High Court issued an order preventing the APC from removing Agada and the current executives of the party.
A copy of the ex parte order granted by Justice Theresa Igoche in Motion No MH /1585m/2024 barred the Dr Abdullahi Ganduje-led NWC from sacking the Austin Agada-led State Working Committee until the expiration of their four-year tenure.
The Benue chapter of the APC has been in conflict with Governor Hyacinth Alia over the leadership of the party in the state.
While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, supports the Agada-led state working committee, Alia has backed the Benjamin Omakolo-led faction.
Addressing journalists after the oath-taking ceremony of the caretaker committee, the National Chairman of the APC expressed regret about the situation, stating that the decision to dissolve the Benue APC was made to prevent the party from collapsing.
He said, “Today, history has been made. But it is not the history we are proud of. However, it is an issue that requires immediate action in accordance with our constitution. We believe that our state chapter will work towards the development of the party without any problems. However, since things do not go according to plan, even in organisations, problems can arise.
“We are all aware of the issues we are facing in Benue State, such as factions, counter-factions, litigation, and counter-litigation. The National Working Committee will not allow this to continue. As a party and institution, we should be united. Therefore, to resolve the problem in line with our constitution, the NWC has today dissolved the executive committee of the Benue State chapter. At the same time, the NWC has approved a seven-man caretaker committee to manage the affairs of the party for the next six months.
“Additionally, as we approach the local government elections, and since the party is the only body that can certify the candidacy of any contestant, we have delegated the responsibility of conducting the primaries for those intending to become chairmen and councillors of their local government areas. We congratulate you on this. We urge you to unite and continue dialogue with major stakeholders to bring everyone together.”
Appreciating the party leadership for considering them worthy to oversee Benue party affairs, Omale promised to work towards the unity and reconciliation of all aggrieved members in the state.
He said, “As you all know, we are just taking over. We are here to carry out the mandate of the president and the governor. I assure you that the mandate you have given will bring the peace and reconciliation we need in the state.
“We will do our best to unite our people. We are here to inform you that we will be working together as a team.”
Proofreading by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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