The leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue South, otherwise known as Zone C, has taken a stand on the ongoing crisis rocking the state chapter of the ruling party.
Recall that the ruling party has been thrown into crisis since the current government led by Governor Hyacinth Alia came on board in May 2023.
The crisis worsened penultimate weeks ago after some members of the party in Ehaje Ward 1 purportedly announced the suspension of Austin Agada as the party’s chairman in the state.
However, the National Working Committee quickly nullified the suspension and affirmed that Agada should remain in office pending an investigation into the allegations of anti-party against him.
In defiance of the NWC order, the governor announced the appointment of Benjamin Omakolo as acting chairman.
Omakolo’s tenure was, however, short-lived, as the High Court ordered the reinstatement of Agada as chairman.
Reacting to the development for the first time, the leadership of the party in Benue South in a statement on Friday, passed a vote of confidence on Agada.
The leadership of the party, which comprises immediate past chairman, Abba Yaro, House of Representatives member, Philip Agbese and others, disassociated themselves from the purported appointment of Benjamin Omakolo as the State Acting Chairman.
The statement reads below;
“It has come to our attention that there are attempts to disrupt the harmonious functioning of the party by purportedly suspending Comrade Austin Agada, from his position as the State Chairman.
“We wish to categorically disclaim any legitimacy to such claims of suspension, as they do not reflect the true political sentiments of the stakeholders in Zone C.
“We applaud the decision of the Hon. Chief Judge of Benue State for setting aside the interim injunction restraining Comrade Augustine Agada, from serving as the State Chairman of APC Benue State.
“In furtherance of holding the constitution of our party, we want to very specially appreciate the National Working Committee, (NWC) of our party for their prompt intervention by notifying the purported suspension and holding the Comrade Agada as the due and recognised party chairman of Benue State.
“We equally disassociate ourselves from the purported appointment of Benjamin Omakolo as the State Acting Chairman, Benue State, on the advice of four Idoma elders, that doesn’t represent the opinion of the Zone C elders in the party.
“We urge all party members to disregard any misinformation regarding Comrade Agada’s purported suspension, as we remain united in our support for his leadership.”
