Benue APC Crisis Deepens As NWC Dissolves State Executive Despite Court Order
1 year ago 3 min read
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The leadership crisis within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), deepend on Wednesday after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the dissolution of the Austine Agada-led State Executive Committee.
The NWC at the national headquarters inaugurated a seven-member caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs in the state for the next six months.
The newly inaugurated caretaker committee is headed by Benjamin Omale as chairman, with Prof. Bem Angwe serving as secretary.
The other members of the committee include Richard Mzungweve, James Ornguga, Terhemen Ngbea, Helen Agaigbe, and Ali Francis Adah.
The decision comes several hours after a Benue High Court issued an ex parte order preventing the APC from removing Agada and his team from office.
The order, granted by Justice Theresa Igoche in Motion No MH /1585m/2024, barred the Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje-led NWC from sacking the Agada-led State Working Committee until the expiration of their four-year tenure.
THE WHISTLER reports that the Benue chapter of the APC has been embroiled in a protracted leadership conflict, largely centered around Governor Hyacinth Alia’s support for the Benjamin Omakolo-led faction of the party.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has thrown his weight behind the Agada-led state working committee, exacerbating tensions within the party.
Speaking to journalists after the oath-taking ceremony of the newly formed caretaker committee, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje expressed regret over the situation but emphasized that the dissolution was necessary to prevent the party from further fracturing.
The National Chairman also noted the importance of the upcoming local government elections, stating that the caretaker committee would be responsible for conducting primaries for party candidates.
He said, “Today, history has been made. But it is not the history we are proud of. However, it is an issue that requires immediate action in accordance with our constitution. We believe that our state chapter will work towards the development of the party without any problems. However, since things do not go according to plan, even in organisations, problems can arise.
“We are all aware of the issues we are facing in Benue State, such as factions, counter-factions, litigation, and counter-litigation. The National Working Committee will not allow this to continue. As a party and institution, we should be united. Therefore, to resolve the problem in line with our constitution, the NWC has today dissolved the executive committee of the Benue State chapter. At the same time, the NWC has approved a seven-man caretaker committee to manage the affairs of the party for the next six months.
“Additionally, as we approach the local government elections, and since the party is the only body that can certify the candidacy of any contestant, we have delegated the responsibility of conducting the primaries for those intending to become chairmen and councillors of their local government areas. We congratulate you on this. We urge you to unite and continue dialogue with major stakeholders to bring everyone together.”
Omale, in his first remarks as caretaker committee chairman, pledged to work towards reconciling all aggrieved members within the state.
He said, “As you all know, we are just taking over. We are here to carry out the mandate of the president and the governor. I assure you that the mandate you have given will bring the peace and reconciliation we need in the state.
“We will do our best to unite our people. We are here to inform you that we will be working together as a team,” Omale said.
