Agada reinstated as Chairman of APC in Benue

February 13, 2024 Joshua Samuel

Mr. Austin Agada has been reinstated as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman by a Benue High Court.

The ruling, which overturned the interim order prohibiting Agada from holding the position of APC Chairman in Benue, was issued on Monday by Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese.

Due to claims of anti-party actions, Justice Lilian Tsumba made the original ruling at the Benue High Court in Aliade.

Order 39 Rule 3 of the Benue State High Court Procedure Rules, 2023, states that the restraining order has a seven-day lifetime. Based on the reasons presented by Agada’s attorneys, Mr. Agaba Moses and Mr. J.J. Usman, SAN, Ikpambese reversed the order. Furthermore, he said Tsumba lacked the authority to issue the Interim Order.

Benjamin Omakolo’s position as the APC’s Acting Chairman in Benue was also revoked by Ikpambese, as were all appointments made after February 2. The Chief Judge said that another judge would take up the case for additional consideration.

Benjamin Omakolo, the APC chairman, has not resigned in the face of this finding. He has pointed out that the person who brought the lawsuit against Agada has appealed the decision.

Speaking to The Nation, Omakolo said: “Whether the order restraining him from parading himself as the Chairman is vacated or not the fact that he has been suspended by his ward still places a ban on him to be able to function as APC chairman in Benue State.

“And it will interest you to know that in the ruling or court today no matter concerning my person or role as the acting chairman was mentioned. So, I remain the valid acting State chairman of the APC in Benue State. I remain the one who pilots the affairs of the APC in Benue State and the APC family takes instructions and directives from my office as the acting chairman of APC in the state.

“And even that wrong vacation that was done in the high court has already been appealed against. There is nothing that can make Austin Agada based on his errors and suspension return as the chairman of APC in Benue forever.

“The person who took him to court has appealed the judgment because it is not correct in law for a high court to restrain and another High Court, a court of coordinates jurisdiction to vacate it. I have long assumed office as the acting chairman of APC in Benue State.”

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Joshua Samuel

A conscientious writer with a knack and passion for story telling which spans across different sectors and segments. I love telling stories in writing and bringing quality, authentic and timely information to everyone everywhere.

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