From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
There seem to be no end yet to the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress,APC in Benue State as Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday inaugurated a new executive of the party.
It would be noted that the APC in the State has been factionalized as a result of battle for supremacy between the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF Sen. George Akume and Governor Alia.
All efforts by the National Working Committee to resolve the impasse has hit brick wall. The NWC during its 146th meeting held on the 20th March, 2024 issued a 7 directive to all the warring parties to sheath their sword by withdrawing all lawsuits.
In compliance to the directive, the Austin Agada executive through its Legal Adviser Alyebo Mathew Esq, filed a Notice of Withdrawal on the 25th March, 2024, in the only case filed by the chairman that was pending before High Court 4 in Makurdi. The said case has been consequently struck out by Justice T.A. Kume.
However, on the same day, the Governor constituted the executive of the party led by Benjamin Omakolo at the party Secretariat located close to the Government House, Makurdi.
Represented by his Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Paul Biam described the occasion as ‘historic’ in the annals of the State politics, adding that what they had been doing behind closed doors, has now come to fruition.
“This is the day of our liberation. We will conquer, do not b afraid the beginning may be rough but stand firm.
“There can’t be two (2) governors in the State. We have only one leader of the party who is the Governor. Let nobody make any mistake. Let us agree that while we were doing it at the back door, it has come to fruition. It’s a deliberate act to change the state there is no faction. Omakolo has come to stay. Let’s put the record straight to ensure the right thing is done. We have sworn to uphold party supremacy we will be keep APC flying in the State.
“I commend your doggedness. It is a critical time that requires men of courage. In the end, you will thank God that you were part of those who liberated the State from shackles of darkness The Governor is solidly behind this Exco there is no other APC and there will be none again in the State.
“We are on a mission to succeed. Already 6 National Assembly members have indicated interest to be on our side. We appreciate Ehaje ward (Austin Agada’s ward) for this development”.
