By Amos Aar
A BENUE State High Court, presided over by Justice Tertsegha Kume, on Thursday nullified the caretaker committee constituted by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manage the party’s affairs in the state.
The ruling/judgement followed a lawsuit filed by the APC State Chairman, Austin Agada, challenging the dissolution of the state’s working committee by the party’s NWC.
In his ruling/judgment, Justice Kume held that the dissolution was unconstitutional and violated the applicants’ right to a fair hearing.
“The dissolution of the state executive committee was not in accordance with the party’s constitution,” the judge stated, adding that the action constituted a gross violation of the applicants’ rights.
As a result, Justice Kume ruled that all actions undertaken by the seven-member caretaker committee appointed by the APC National Secretariat to replace the Austin Agada-led executive were null and void.
Justice Kume held: “For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby determined that Suit No. MHC/1587M/2024 has merit and is granted. The submissions of the learned counsel for the respondents are dismissed.
“A consequential order is made declaring as null and void the constitution of a caretaker committee to replace the applicants in Benue State. Any action taken by the said caretaker committee is hereby set aside.”
In response to the ruling/judgement, the APC NWC, through its counsel, Mathew Burkaa SAN, immediately responded by filing an appeal at the Makurdi Division of the Court of Appeal few hours after the judgement.
Additionally, the party also sought for a stay of execution of the High Court’s ruling/judgment pending the determination of the appeal.
The party also requested a restraining order to prevent the respondents from enforcing or benefiting from the ruling/judgement until the appeal is resolved.
The APC Caretaker Committee chairman in Benue, Mr. Benjamin Omale, called on party supporters to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while the legal process unfolds.
“We have serious concerns about this judgment and have instructed our legal team to appeal immediately. In the meantime, as law-abiding citizens, we urge all party members to remain calm and focus on their political activities without worry,” Omale said.
The legal battle between the APC state leadership and its national body continues to unfold, with far-reaching implications for the party’s internal administration in Benue State.
