By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The State Executive Committee of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Benue State has ratified the selection of Mr. Benjamin Omakolo from Igoro Ward, Apa Local Government Area, LGA, of the state, as its acting State Chairman.

The selection of Mr. Omakolo followed the suspension of the former Chairman, Mr. Austin Agada by the Ward Executive of the party in Ihaje Ward I, Owukpa, Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

The party Ward Exco suspended Mr. Agada on January 31, 2024 after passing a vote-of-no confidence on him based on Article 17 sub-section V and VI of the party’s constitution.

His suspension was further affirmed by a Benue State High Court presided over by Justice Lilian Tsumba while ruling in an ex-parte motion filed by Mr. Moses Agaba.

The Court in the ruling barred Mr. Agada “from acting, carrying out functions and parading himself as the Chairman of the APC, Benue State Chapter, having lost membership of the party (via Exhibit ‘B’), pending the determination of the motion on notice.”

Governor Hyacinth Alia as leader of the party in the state had summoned the meeting Wednesday night following the vacuum created by the suspension of Mr. Agada.

In his opening speech, the State Organising Secretary of the party, Mr. James Ornguga commended the Governor for summoning the State Executive Committee following the turbulence the party was facing as a result of the suspension of its Chairman saying the gathering was timely and in order.

Addressing the gathering the Governor noted that “APC is a party that holds the prospect of winning elections even in the future, but the unfortunate turn of events leading to the suspension of Mr. Agada is a worrisome development.”

He pointed out that the vacuum created by his ouster compelled leaders and elders of the party particularly from the zone that produced the Chairman to clamour for a replacement since the party could not forge ahead without a Chairman.

He noted that with the development and after due consultation, the Welfare Secretary of the part, Mr. Omakolo would take over as acting Chairman pending the determination of the suit filed against Mr. Agada.

Speaking for the APC Local Government Secretaries, Isaiah Abba from Ogbadigbo LGA, said they all accepted the decision of the elders and leaders of the party on the choice of the acting State Chairman.

On his part, Daniel Agide from Konshisha LGA, who spoke for the party Local Government Chairmen lauded the decision of the leaders to fill the vacuum in order to give the party direction.

While Success Ajoma who also spoke on behalf of the State Executive Committee, noted that the decision to appoint an acting Chairman for the party “is intended to strengthen and reposition the party for greater successes.”

The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Hyacinth Dajoh who promised that APC members in the House would support the new chairman to succeed urged the all members of the State Executive of the party in the state to give him all the support.

Accepting his appointment, the acting Chairman said his elevation “is a call to duty and I will effectively play my role to reposition the party for victory in future elections.”