A Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi on Wednesday struck out a suit instituted by former State Organizing secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, James Ornguga challenging the vote of no confidence passed on him by his party EXCO in Ugee Council Ward, Gwer LGA.
In the suit, the former organizing secretary prayed the court to hold that his fundamental right to fair hearing was violated as he was not heard before the vote of no confidence was passed on him.
He further prayed that the court to restrain the party from expelling, suspending, reprimanding, censuring or baring him from any office, and or removing him.
When the case came up, James Ornguga was absent in court together with his lawyer.
Counsel to the APC, M.T. Alyebo who is the State Legal Adviser of the party prayed the court to strike out the case for want of diligent prosecution.
The judge, Justice Shishi struck out the case stating, “When the case came up on the last adjournment, the plaintiff’s counsel wrote a letter for adjournment on the strength of which the case was adjourned.
“Today, they are not here. I therefore agree with counsel that they have lost interest in the case. Consequently, the case is hereby struck out.”
It will be recalled that the APC in Ugee Council Ward had suspended Ornguga from the party over series of allegations including promotion of factions in the party and insubordination, among others.
However, in a response on his official Facebook page, Ornguga said the case was withdrawn from the court in the interest of the party.
He said, “The case became needless and overtaken by events following the dissolution of the Austin Agada-led EXCO and formation of a Caretaker Committee in which I am privileged to once again return as Organizing Secretary.
“Having received such huge recognition from the highest level of leadership (APC National Headquarters) in my party, I was morally bound not to stress the defendants since majority of them are now former EXCO members and party pensioners.
“I appreciate the national headquarters of my party for not subscribing to those illicit and bureau de change suspension notices as brandished by the defunct Agada EXCO.
“Let me commend my legal team for doing a quality job all through the court proceedings.”
