The Court of Appeal in Makurdi has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by Hon. Moses Agaba against the Benue State High Court ruling, which had annulled an interim order preventing Comrade Austin Agada from continuing as the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The ongoing legal battle over APC leadership in Benue has kept local politics in the state under scrutiny.

Agaba, challenging the decision made by Justice M. A. Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, argues that it was improper for the Chief Judge to withdraw the case file from another judge and invalidate the interim order. Agaba’s legal team, led by Matthew Burkaa, SAN, claims this move amounted to the Chief Judge overstepping by making a judgment on a matter that should have been decided by a judge of equal jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Agada’s legal representative, Yakubu Philemon, SAN, defended the decision of the Benue State High Court, stating that the interim order, initially set to last seven days, had expired by February 12, 2024. He emphasized that there had been no formal request to extend the injunction before it was vacated.

The Court of Appeal also heard another appeal involving the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Makurdi Division, concerning a ruling made on June 15, 2023. The appellants, 23 former Local Government Council Chairmen from Benue State elected under the PDP, argue that NICN lacked jurisdiction to hear their case, as it was not related to industrial matters. Their legal counsel, S. A. Akpehe, Esq., challenged the decision, which had dismissed their objections.

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After listening to the arguments from both sides, the Court of Appeal reserved its judgment. A date for the ruling will be communicated to the parties involved. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for the leadership of the APC in Benue State.