Concerned about the ongoing blockade of the Benue State’s secretariat of the All Progressive Congress (APC) by the police and the subsequent ban on all party activities by Governor Hyacinth Alia, Vershima Akaangee, a prominent member of the party and a legal practitioner, has taken legal action by filing a fundamental human rights suit challenging the governor’s order.
In suit No. MHC/845M/2024, Akaangee is not only contesting the constitutionality of Governor Alia’s ban on political activities but also opposing the letter issued by the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, which imposed restrictions on political meetings and the use of the APC state secretariat.
Akaangee argues that the state actors have failed to take appropriate action and that his fundamental human rights to peaceful assembly and association, as guaranteed by Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, have been violated by the respondents and their agents.
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The suit names 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, Benue State, as the first, second, third, and fourth respondents, respectively.
Akaangee asserts that the continuous barricade of the APC state secretariat, located at No. 75 J.S. Tarka Way, Makurdi, Benue State, by the respondents has unlawfully prevented registered members, including himself, from accessing the premises and engaging in political activities, thereby infringing upon their fundamental rights.
Akaangee seeks relief from the court in the form of an order directing the respondents to immediately remove the barricade and vacate the premises and the road leading to the Benue APC State Secretariat.
Additionally, he requests an order restraining the first to fourth respondents, their servants, agents, or representatives, from interfering with the rights to peaceful assembly and association of the party members.
