There was confusion at the National Secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC on Wednesday following an announcement by the deputy National Secretary, Victor Giadom that he’s the acting National Chairman of the party.
The announcement was coming few hours after National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu disclosed that deputy national chairman (South), Abiola Ajimobi had taken over as acting National chairman following the suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Giadom at a press briefing at the party’s National secretariat hinged his decision on the judgement delivered by Justice S. U. Bature on March 16.
He said, “Yesterday the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, in a unanimous judgement, affirmed the suspension of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole as the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress.
“Consequently, I bring to your notice that on the 16th of March 2020, Hon Justice S.U. Bature in suit no FCT/HC/M/6447/2020 had ordered that, with the earlier suspension of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, I Chief. Hon Victor Giadom should act as National Chairman of our great party.
“That Order could not be immediately effected at that time because of the temporary reprieve Adams Oshiomhole got from the Court of Appeal on the same date.
“However, having removed the temporary reprieve yesterday by the Court of Appeal and considering the fact that we cannot allow for a vacuum, I most humbly inform you that I have assumed office as Acting National Chairman of our great party in compliance with the order of the court.
“I therefore, most humbly solicit the support of the entire leadership and members of our great party in achieving this very important responsibility.
“I want to assure all party members that the All Progressives Congress will obey court orders/judgements as to bring sanity to our great party.
“Time for selective compliance of Court Orders and judgements is over.
“Our party, the All Progressives Congress, will no longer allow local quests for the control of power to influence our decisions.
“As your Acting National Chairman and presiding officer in the NWC, we therefore cancel the decision of the Screening and Appeal Committees of the former Chairman of the party on the Edo primaries.
“This is in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that forbids anyone who is interested in a cause to be a judge in that same cause.
“It is a brazen rape on the Rule of Law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the former Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomohle to preside and select Committees in respect to the Governorship primaries in Edo State, being a key player in the crisis in that State.
“Whatever role the former Chairman was given to play in that process by the APC constitution, it cannot override the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which governs all of us.
“We therefore, ask all aspirants in the Governorship Primaries to report for fresh screening between today and tomorrow.
“I call on all aspirants to remain in the All Progressives Congress as we guarantee fairness and justice to all concerned.
“The schedule and time for each aspirant shall be communicated.
“In addition to the above the Deputy Organising Secretary of the All Progressive Congress, Hon. Muhammad Sani Ibrahim, shall immediately resume office as the Acting. National Organising Secretary in compliance with the judgement of the Federal High Court in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/733/2018 which removed the former National Organising Secretary Mr Emmanuel Ibediro since 24th of September 2018.
“This is to ensure strict compliance with the Rule of Law.”
Daily Trust reports that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Tuesday affirmed suspension of Oshiomhole as National Chairman of the party.
