By Dan Ugwu.
In the build up to the 2019 elections in Imo, former APC National Chairman and ombudsman; Adams Oshiomhole dissolved the state elected officials led by Dan Nwafor and installed his caretaking committee led by Macolm Nlemigbo on grounds of the former’s anti party activities engineered by Rochas Okorocha. Rochas refuted that and as a result, both groups were leading their faithful simultaneously in Imo until APC was led to clear and infamous defeat. That was a vivid illustration of implosion.
After the election, the crisis has continued till date. Meanwhile in August 2018, Abuja High Court stipulated merely that the National Working Committee (NWC) hasn’t the right to change the status of constitutionally elected party officials by a common fiat. So, while Nwafor held his power through constitutional and court legislation, Nlemigbo held his own through party verdict. Both parties at the time had their legal suits running.
Now To The Next Confusion
President Muhammadu Buhari in the last NEC meeting of APC dissolved the officials and urged the withdrawal of all litigations against and by the party. Now whose suit is to be withdrawn? Nwafor feels Nlemigbo should withdraw his case while Nlemigbo feels Nwafor should withdraw his own for peace to reign. This will be seekers of peace that is not peace.
Now, on July 16, the Abuja High court presided over by Justice A.O. Musa ruled on a motion brought by purported members of Nlemigbo group, seeking for stay of execution and restraining order which was not granted. Its interpretation has been left to the whims and caprices of concerned APC faithful.
The Nigerian judiciary is often brought to ridicule through frivolous and nonsensical applications. Approaching the court to re-rule on a matter already adjudicated should be an offence against the applicant. This is part of the tribunalization of our democracy by the judiciary.
Also, the interpretation of court injunctions should not be left at the behest and wisdom of plaintiffs and defendants. The court should always define its ruling in clear terms and wean it of ambiguities that could present a ground for filthy and ambitious elements to drag on.
The APC must also through its disciplinary and ethical Committee prevail on party belligerents whose personal interests have always overshadowed the common good. It is not a good step to approach the court again after the president has urged for withdrawal of litigations.
Even after the last court ruling, the disgruntled group still announced the declaration of a press conference to be held at the Okigwe Road secretariat of APC. Will that not be usurpation of power and impersonation? Let the right thing be done.
- Dan Ugwu is a media analyst, he writes from Abuja, Nigeria
Disclaimer: “The views/contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of Dan Ugwu and do not necessarily reflect those of The World Satellite. The World Satellite will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.”
