From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

To avoid further escalation of the lingering crisis bedeviling the Enugu state chapter of the All progressives Congress APC, which recently led to the suspension of its chairman, Ugochukwu Agballa, the immediate past Chairman of the party, Dr.

Nwoye, a former Federal Commissioner, spoke against the backdrop of a recent controversial statement credited to the Southeast zonal National Vice Chairman of APC, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, who vowed that the party will petition the National Judicial Council NJC, over an order made by an Enugu High Court restraining the suspended Chairman Agballah, from parading himself as the APC Chairman in Enugu State.

Arodiogbu, had in the said statement came hard on the judge that handed down the order, accusing him of alleged compromise.

The former Enugu APC boss, insisted and emphasized that no individual is above the law, especially leaders who command significant influence.

Nwoye, frowned at the statement by Arodiogbu, pointing out that such comment which seems to be challenging legal rulings is not good for the nation’s democracy, warning that such comment could provoke dangerous responses from the public.

According to him, “When political leaders assume the role of judges and make statements that defy legal principles, thereby encouraging the public to act outside the law, it becomes a serious issue.

He maintained that “Obeying the law should not be conditional or based on personal interests; it is a duty we must uphold regardless of whose interests are at stake,” Nwoye stated.

The former APC Chairman equally harped that as a national vice chairman, Dr. Arodiogbu is expected to act as a guiding figure within the party, positing that “It is not within his right or discretion to unilaterally interpret constitutional matters.”

“The court has already ruled that Ugochukwu Agballah and certain others are no longer authorized to carry out their duties, and they are barred from accessing APC properties. Any statement from a leader like Arodiogbu that contradicts this ruling only serves to sow the seeds of discord in Enugu State”.

 He advised APC leaders, irrespective of their factional affiliations, to be more responsible in their public discourse or comments.

The APC Chieftain called on security operatives in the state to heighten their vigilance and ensure proper protection around the state Acting Chairman of the APC, Chief Alphonsus Nwafor, as well as the Enugu High Court presiding judge who issued the injunction, and all APC properties in the state.

Nwoye equally urged the political leaders to refrain from heating up the politic, both in Enugu and elsewhere for the interest of the nation’s ongoing democrat rule.