The Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups is at loggerhead with its counterpart, the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups, over the court’s reinstatement of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as non-executive chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited.
The PUNCH reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja last Tuesday nullified Ararume’s sacking by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and awarded N5bn damages against the President.
In reaction to the verdict, the Presidency on Wednesday sued for calm from all parties involved in the board chairmanship tussle, saying due process would take its course.
While the Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups demanded the immediate reinstatement of Ararume following the order of the court, the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups faulted the court judgment.
The latter described the court’s order reinstating Ararume as an usurpation of the duties of the office of the President and an affront to the powers of the President.
But the Director, Media and Publicity of the Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups, Alhaji Aminu Abbas, while addressing a press conference at the Arewa House, Kaduna on Monday, said it was inappropriate for any group or groups to fault the judgment.
Abbas noted that after all, Justice Inyang Ikwo’s judgment was based on the fact brought before it, adding that the court’s decision should be respected and seen as a step towards strengthening the rule of law in the country.
He said, “It is not appropriate for the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups or any other group or groups, person or persons to accuse the court of usurping the duties of the Office of the President or to suggest that the judgment was an affront to the powers of Buhari. Such statements are not only unfounded but also inappropriate.
“The court’s decision should be respected and seen as a step towards strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria. We urge all stakeholders to abide by the decision of the court and work towards the progress and development of the nation.
“Considering the role the NNPCL plays in our national economy, the all-important company can’t continue to exist without a properly-constituted board.
“Senator Araraume has a track record of serving Nigeria without any negative incidents. He was elected twice to represent his constituents in the Senate and was appointed by Buhari to the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
“People who have served our country deserve all the support they need. Our youth should shield themselves from being used as pawns in the power tussle that lacks legitimacy.
“We, therefore, wish to call on Buhari to clear all hurdles so that Senator Araraume can resume office, and summon board meetings to possibly ratify resolutions that were taken while he was in court, seeking redress.”
