By Enyim Enyim

ENUGU—A three-man Court of Appeal panel sitting in Enugu, last night,  repudiated the  factional chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Martin Agbaso and confirmed Dr Victor Ike Oye as the authentic national chairman of the party.

The court based it’s decision on the premise that Oye was not a party to the decision of the Enugu state High court that declared Agbaso chairman.

The lead Judge, Abdul Aboki, cited supreme court decions on such matters and resolved the two grounds of Oye’s appeal in his favour.

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The appellate  court was of the view that Oye would have been joined by Mike Alioke who had approached the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise Agbaso as national chairman of the party following Oye’s purpoted suspension from the party.

The court maintained that Oye was not given the chance to be heard at the lower court  and so, was not given fair judgment.

The appeal court therefore found merit in Oye’s appeal and struck out the decision of the lower court for lack of jurisdiction.

Counsel to Oye, Chief Emeka Etiaba, SAN, congratulated the Appeal panel for their patience and timely intervention, in view of the up coming Anambra state governorship election.

The court started sitting by 6: 19pm and ended its  decision by 7pm.

Counsel to the respondents did not raise objection after the judgment.

“Two out of the youths poured petrol on themselves and on our vehicles, in my decent manner of carrying out my duties   I sensed the situation was getting real bad, I called my men and all the security men and we retreated to my office.