Introduction to the Controversy
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ondo State has clarified that no court has confirmed Dr. Boniface Aniebonam as the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, and Dr. Agbo Major, as National Chairman. This comes after a Federal Court in Abuja dismissed a suit filed by a faction of the party challenging the leadership of the duo.
Court Ruling
A Federal Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a suit filed by a faction of the party challenging the leadership of the duo. Justice M.A. Hassan ruled that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, affirming that internal party issues such as leadership and membership were beyond judicial intervention.
Reaction from the State Chairman
Mr. Peter Olagookun, the state Chairman of NNPP, in an interview with NAN on Monday in Akure, said the duo could not lay claim to the leadership of the party since the court did not address the merit of the case. “What happened at the court that day was very clear; a Federal High Court, Abuja, through Justice M. A. Hassan never made any comments on the merits of the case before it, as it stated that it has no jurisdiction. So, the court declined jurisdiction in the matter.”
Status of Aniebonam and His Team
Aniebonam and his team are no longer members of the NNPP, as they have since been expelled from the party. Olagookun stated, “This group of people just go on the media to misinform and mislead Nigerians about the court judgment. So, we urge Nigerians to ignore them when they lay claim to the leadership of our party.”
Court’s Decline of Jurisdiction
According to Olagookun, the court did not make any pronouncement on conferring legitimacy on any so-called board of trustees. The court declined jurisdiction on the case before it on the ground that it was an internal party affair. He added, “Go to INEC portal to check who is the National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), you will see that Dr Ahmed Ajuji is the authentic National Chairman of the party and his executives are authentic.”
Authentic Leadership and Logo
Olagookun emphasized that the logo used by Aniebonam’s faction is not the authentic logo of the party. He stressed, “Also, check the logo that they are using, you will see that it is not the authentic logo of the party. Nigerians and the media houses should stop taking them seriously but keep faith with the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP under the leadership of Dr Ahmed Ajuji as the National Chairman and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kankwaso as the National Leader of the Party.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NNPP has reaffirmed its leadership under Dr. Ahmed Ajuji as the National Chairman and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kankwaso as the National Leader. The party has urged Nigerians to disregard claims by Aniebonam and his team, as they are no longer members of the party and the court did not confer legitimacy on their leadership.
FAQs
- Q: Who is the authentic National Chairman of the NNPP?
A: Dr Ahmed Ajuji is the authentic National Chairman of the NNPP. - Q: What was the court’s ruling on the leadership dispute?
A: The court declined jurisdiction, stating it lacked the power to intervene in internal party affairs. - Q: Are Aniebonam and his team still members of the NNPP?
A: No, they have been expelled from the party. - Q: What should Nigerians do regarding the claims by Aniebonam’s faction?
A: Nigerians should ignore their claims and recognize the authentic leadership of the NNPP under Dr. Ahmed Ajuji.
