A legal practitioner and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Vershima Akaangee, has taken a bold step by filing a fundamental human rights suit against the ban on APC activities in Benue State.
The suit, numbered MHC/845M/2024, challenges the constitutionality of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s order, which led to the barricading of the APC state secretariat by the police.
Akaangee, acting as the applicant in the case, has named the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police for Benue State, Governor Alia, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order for Benue State as the respondents.
The crux of the suit revolves around the alleged violation of the fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and association, as enshrined in Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Akaangee contends that the ban on political activities and the blockade of the APC state secretariat infringe upon these rights.
In his plea to the court, Akaangee seeks the immediate removal of the barricade at the APC state secretariat and the cessation of interference with the party’s activities by the respondents. Additionally, he is demanding N5 billion in damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights.
The case, scheduled for hearing on May 23, 2024, comes amidst a backdrop of political turmoil in Benue State. Governor Alia’s order to lock up the APC secretariat in March 2024 has been attributed to a power struggle between Senator George Akume and the governor, resulting in the party splitting into two factions.
One faction, led by Austin Agada and supported by Akume, stands in opposition to Governor Alia, while the other, chaired by Benjamin Omakolo, aligns with the governor’s interests.
The legal battle initiated by Akaangee sheds light on the complexities of political dynamics in the state and underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles.
