A major concern has been raised over the continuous blockade of the Benue State APC secretariat by the police and the imposed ban on all party activities by Governor Hyacinth Alia. In response, Vershima Akaangee, a prominent figure in the party and a legal expert, has taken legal action by filing a fundamental human rights suit challenging this directive.
Suit No. MHC/845M/2024 sees Akaangee contesting the constitutionality of Governor Alia’s order to halt political activities, along with the blockade of the APC state secretariat. The suit lists the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Benue State Command, Governor Alia of Benue State, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order in Benue State as the first to fourth respondents.
Highlighting his objections, Barrister Akaangee criticized the restrictions on political gatherings, the takeover of the APC state secretariat, and the lack of response from state authorities. He asserts his rights to peaceful assembly and association, as protected by Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, have been repeatedly violated by the respondents and their agents.
Akaangee emphasizes the significance of the APC state secretariat as a hub for political activities, whose continued closure infringes on the rights of registered members, including himself. He seeks a court order to dismantle the blockade and restore access to the premises without delay.
Moreover, Akaangee requests the court to prevent the respondents from obstructing his right to assembly and association, ultimately aiming to safeguard the interests of APC members in Benue State. Additionally, he demands N5 billion in damages for the violation of his fundamental human rights.
He argues that Governor Alia’s actions aim to coerce APC members in Benue State to align with a faction unsupported by the majority, rather than allowing them to make their own political choices. Akaangee urges the court to uphold justice in this matter.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on May 23, 2024. Notably, Governor Alia’s directive to seal off the APC state secretariat in March 2024, purportedly due to rising insecurity, appears rooted in a power struggle between Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the governor. This internal conflict has led to factionalism within the party, with one faction led by Austin Agada under Akume’s influence and the other chaired by Benjamin Omakolo in support of Alia.