The High Court of Benue State in Makurdi has granted the reinstatement of Austin Agada, the suspended state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision was made by Chief Judge Justice Maurice Ikpambese in response to a motion seeking to revoke the interim order that prevented Agada from assuming the position of Benue State APC Chairman.
Last week, a state high court in Aliade, Gwer East Local Government Area, had issued an order restraining Agada from acting as the party’s chairman. The order was obtained by Agaba Moses after Agada’s suspension by the leadership of his Ehaje council ward. Consequently, the State Executive Committee, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, appointed Benjamin Omakolo as the acting chairman during a meeting held last Wednesday.
However, on Monday, the Chief Judge of Benue State set aside the restraining order on Agada following an ex parte application made by his lawyer, J.J. Usman, (SAN). Justice Ikpambese stated that according to Order 39, Rule 3 of the Benue State High Court Procedure Rules, 2023, an interim order only remains valid for seven days. Since the order was issued on February 2nd, 2024, it had legally expired.
Moreover, Justice Ikpambese ruled that Justice Lillian Tsumba, who had issued the interim order, lacked the jurisdiction to do so since the matter was not assigned to her by the Chief Judge. As a result, the appointment of Omakolo as the acting APC Chairman was also nullified.
This recent ruling by the court marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the leadership of the Benue State APC, providing a new twist to the political landscape within the party.
Source: Punch Newspaper