Drama as APC ignores restraining order, inaugurates caretaker committee for Benue state

By Jude Opara, Abuja

There was a mild drama at the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party inaugurated a caretaker committee to conduct the affairs of the state for six months.
However, just a few minutes to the inauguration, the embattled chairman of the state chapter, Austin Agada had stormed the Secretariat of the party to submit a restraining order from the Benue State High Court to the party.
Inaugurating the seven member committee, National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje said despite the fact that it was historic, that there was nothing pleasant with the crisis rocking some chapters of the party including Benue which has experienced a protracted crisis.
Ganduje charged the new committee to uphold the principles of equity which the party is noted for, adding that their tenure will last for the next six months before a convention that would usher in an elected leadership.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after his inauguration, Hon. Benjamin Omale promised to do everything within his powers to unite the party.
Omale called on all party stakeholders to unite and develop the party, stressing that unless the members were united, the party will not be able to deliver on the mandate of the party in the state.
Earlier, the now removed chairman, Austin Agada submitted a copy of the order granted via an exparte order by Justice Theresa Igoche in motion no MH /1585m/2024, which he also made available to newsmen.
The court had particularly directed the APC National Working Committee (NWC) not to remove the Agada-led State Working Committee (SWC) until the expiration of their four years tenure.
It could be recalled that the Benue state charter of the APC is split along the lines of Governor Hyacinth Alia who is in support of Benjamin Omakolo led faction, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume who is in support of the Agada led SWC.
The Judge while granting the exparte application by Agada and eight others, restrained APC, either by itself, its privies, assigns, staff, officers, servants, agents, representatives, or whomsoever, howsoever described, from removing, changing replacing or howsoever terminating his tenure and other members of the Benue State Working Committee of the Respondent until the expiration of their four-year term in office pending the determination of the motion on Notice.
“I have looked at the processes filed along with the application, particularly, Exhibit MT “1” attached to the affidavit in support and I am satisfied that the application has merit,” the judge declared while granting the prayers of Agada.
“In the circumstances, I hereby grant the application as prayed.”
The Judge thereby ordered that the order be served on the APC forthwith, along with the motion on Notice fixed for hearing on 28th of this month.
Members of the newly inaugurated caretaker committee include: Hon. Benjamin Omale who is the chairman, Prof. Bem Angwe, Secretary; Hon. Richard Mzungweve; Hon. James Ornaguga; Hon. Barr. Terhemen Ngbea; Hon. Helen Agaigbe and Barr. Ali Francis Adah who will serve as members.