Tobias Sylvester
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has reacted to the verdict of the Court of Appeal which upheld his suspension.
Speaking during an interview on Channels TV on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, Oshiomhole said he has accepted the ruling in good fate, adding that he would speak with his lawyers to decide what next to do.
“I’m a product of judiciary. I always tell people that if I’m not a convict today, it is courtesy of a courageous bench and a resourceful bar. All my life has been a life of struggle. People have always oppressed me, harassed me and the court has always come to my aid. Even my being a governor was courtesy of court.’
“So yesterday’s (Tuesday) judgement, I accept it in good fate and my lawyers will advice, having studied the judgment, what next line of action. So, at this point, I just thank the Lordship for their judgment and look forward to my lawyers advising me.”
Asked what his next line of action would be, Oshiomhole replied:
“iIt’s between me and my lawyers. It is not something to be discussed in the media. It is an issue between a lawyer and his client and I think we should leave it at that.”
On claim of the APC Deputy National Secretary, Victor Giadom, that he had assumed office as the acting national chairman, Oshiomhole said:
“My advice to my brother, Victor, is is about common sens…that if the chairman is absent, it is the deputy chairman that will take over. In the absence of the deputy, it is the vice. How does the deputy secretary come in,’’he asked rhetorically?
KanyiDaily had reported that there has been confusion in the ruling party following the Appeal Court decision that upheld the suspension of Oshiomhole as the party’s National Chairman on Tuesday.
Following Oshiomhole’s suspension, the APC had appointed Abiola Ajimobi as the party’s acting National Chairman.
However, in a swift reaction, Victor Giadom, through his counsel Oluwole Afolabi, stated that being the highest-ranking official following Oshiomhole’s suspension, he is now the substantial acting chairman of the party, according to a High Court in Abuja.
Afolabi stated that a statement released by the APC affirming Ajimobi as Acting Chairman must been have issued in error or out of ignorance of the order of the FCT High Court issued on 16th of March, 2020, by Hon. Justice S.U Bature in Suit No. FCT/HC/M/6447/2020.
He warned that anyone who attempts to parade himself/herself other than Victor Giadom as the Acting Chairman of the APC would be facing contempt of court proceedings.
However, during a press conference at the national secretariat of the party on Wednesday, Hilliard Eta declared himself as the APC acting national chairman, explaining that his appointment was in tandem with the constitution of the party.
Eta, who is the Vice Chairman of the party in South South, acknowledged that Ajimobi who ought to have taken the place of Oshiomhole, was unavoidably absent for now to oversee the affairs of the party.
