APC members in major cities and villages in Rivers state on Friday danced around shortly after news of the Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of the Ogbogbula faction of the All Progressives Congress APC made the rounds.
The Apex court had on Friday dismissed the appeal by Igo Aguma challenging the Court of Appeal decision affirming Ogbogbula as Acting party Chairman in Rivers state.
A five,- member panel of the Judges led by Justice Amina Adamu Augie ruled that it was not in the purview of the Court to protect the rights and privileges of any member of a political party as it was an internal party matter .
The court’s verdict therefore paved the way for the future of the party.
However, a party stalwart, Blessing who told current matters he hailed from Bera in Gokana local government area of the state said celebration are seen in shops,markets owned by party supporters .
According to him, the Supreme Court ‘s decision was the tonic needed to reclaim the lost glory of Rivers State in the next election
,” We thank the Justices of the Supreme Court for their wisdom and foresight. We can go to bed knowing that the court is the last hope of the common man.
“With the part cleared,we can sincerely trust in God that the next election is a sure win for the APC.he said.
Meanwhile as the APC jubilates , another loyalist of the Abe faction has announced his exit.
Livingston Wechie,a legal aide to erstwhile member of the APC,Igo Aguma announced his exit shortly after his principal faulted the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday morning.
Wechie said he was personally present in the court when the verdict was given and said it does not resonate with his idea of judicial precedence
” I was present at the Supreme Court this morning to witness the judgements touching on the Rivers state chapter of the All Progressives Congress particularly the case of Igo Aguma v. APC. I respect the Supreme Court judgement which today dismissed the Appeal challenging the Court of Appeal decision which upturned the High Court judgment that declared Rt. Hon. Igo Aguma as Acting Chairman of APC in Rivers state.
“The Supreme Court in its view decided that it is not within the purview of the Court to protect the rights and privileges of members of a political party particularly the APC because that is an internal party matter. I see this development as a an unhealthy judicial precedence which should be intellectually interrogated moving forward. Moreso it is dangerous for politics and political party democracy in Nigeria that for any reason the jurisdiction of Court should be ultimately ousted as it affects grievances by party members not minding political party arbitariness which the Court ought to restrict in the interest of our democracy in Nigeria. Regrettably, the APC that preaches respect for the rule of Law rather than protect the said rights of her members as enshrined has failed to do so and celebrates the violation of its own constitution traditionally.
” It has been a long battle for internal democracy in the APC Rivers state to give genuine stakeholder opportunities to members. However the status quo is unsafe for my political struggle and future which I must sustain for the good of my fatherland. I cannot continue to be a member of a Political party where asking questions is a death and a party that sabotages and trades mindlessly and selfishly with the rights of its members.
” Therefore I announce my exit from the All Progressives Congress immediately. This is my decision. he said.
