Justice Theresa Igoche of the Benue State High Court has issued an interim order restraining the All Progressives Congress (APC) from dissolving the Augustine Agada-led State Executive Committee.
News About Nigeria reports that the order will remain in effect until the court rules on the motion on notice filed by Agada and other members of the executive committee.
The interim injunction follows a motion ex parte, marked MHC/1585M/2024, filed by Agada and other members of the Benue State APC executive.
The other applicants include Dr. Stephen Tsav, Vincent Uji, Bishop Ogabji, Princess Awuese Torhee, Daniel Morgan Ihyomun, David Hangeior, Aluor Simon, and Hassan Mohammed.
According to a certified true copy of the enrolled order dated August 21, 2024, Justice Igoche directed the applicants to serve the APC with the order and the motion on notice.
The judge also scheduled further proceedings for August 28, 2024.
The legal battle stems from a power struggle between Agada and Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who reportedly created a rival faction within the party by appointing State Welfare Officer Benjamin Omakolo as Acting Chairman.
In granting the ex parte motion, Justice Igoche stated, “I have looked at the processes filed along with the application, particularly exhibit MT ‘I’ attached to the affidavit in support, and I am satisfied that the application has merit. In the circumstances, I hereby grant the application as prayed. This order shall be served on the respondent forthwith, along with the motion on notice, which is fixed for hearing on August 28, 2024.”
The court specifically restrained the APC leadership and its representatives from removing, replacing, or terminating the tenure of the Agada-led executive committee members until the end of their four-year term, pending the resolution of the motion on notice.
The crisis within the Benue State chapter of the APC escalated following the inauguration of the Benue State House of Assembly, where Hon. Aondouna Dajoh was elected Speaker over Hon. Becky Orpin, both members of the APC.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Agada and his executive committee turned to the court to prevent the early termination of their tenure.
