A mild drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) announced their representation for Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a lawsuit challenging the conduct of congresses in the Rivers State chapter of the PDP.
Justice Peter Lifu had previously issued an order restraining the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies from interfering with the PDP’s ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled for July 27, 2024. The case was adjourned to August 15 for a hearing brought by six loyalists of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
On Thursday, when the case was called, K. C. O. Njemanze, SAN, announced his appearance for the plaintiffs. Simultaneously, two other SANs, Chief Ferdinand Orbih and Kamaldeen Ajibade, stood up to represent the first to fourth defendants: the PDP, Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Hon. Umar Bature.
The court directed the senior SAN to proceed first, and Orbih announced his appearance, followed by Ajibade. However, the drama continued as another SAN, Sunday Ibrahim Ameh, also announced representation for the same defendants. To prevent further commotion, Justice Lifu advised the senior lawyers to resolve the issue among themselves. Orbih then requested a short adjournment, which was unopposed, and the court scheduled the next hearing for August 30.
Justice Lifu stated, “The justice of this case demands an adjournment and consequent upon the agreement of counsel, this matter is adjourned till August 30, for a final report on the counsel representing the 1st to 4th respondents, sequel to a meeting to be so held.” He further directed that if the meeting failed, the senior lawyers should file a motion with an affidavit proving their engagement by the parties.
The judge extended his previous ex-parte order restraining the PDP and security agencies from stopping the Rivers State congresses until the main suit is determined. Due to the delay, the court could not address the application of some individuals seeking to join as defendants. Their lawyer, Chief D. O. Okoro, SAN, highlighted the motion for joinder during the proceedings. The applicants included David Omereji, Prince Solomon Eke, Isoboye Tobin, Goody Pepple, Okijah Chigozirim, Ogoloma Amachree, Goodfriday Nweke, Alfred Letam, Wechie Raymond, Mrs. Erebie Micheal, and Ogenma Idalumimulu.
Justice Sobere Hambo had previously ruled in an ex-parte application by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, David Omereji, and ten others, restraining the party from holding the planned congresses pending the determination of the motion on notice. However, Justice Lifu later ordered the PDP, Damagum, Anyanwu, and Bature to proceed with the congresses as initially planned.
According to Justice Lifu’s ruling, the PDP and its national officers must adhere to the guidelines, adjusted timetable, and schedule of activities for 2024 issued by the party. He also restrained the party and its officers from allowing any person who did not obtain a nomination or ad-hoc form within the stipulated time to run for any elective office or delegate position.
In granting the plaintiffs’ request, Justice Lifu ordered them to provide a fresh undertaking to indemnify the defendants if the court later found it was misled into granting the restraining orders. The damages would be assessed by the court.
The six PDP members who filed the ex-parte application are Hon Aaron Chukwuemeka, Dr. Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris, and ThankGod Owhorji. The defendants in the motion are the PDP, Damagum, Anyanwu, Bature, INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police of Rivers State, the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), and the DSS.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has denied any knowledge of an All Progressives Congress (APC) State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting allegedly announced by the former state chairman, Mr. Austin Agada.
Reports had circulated online suggesting that a meeting of the Benue APC SEC was scheduled for Thursday in Makurdi. In response, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, issued a statement on Thursday addressing the issue.
Governor Alia stated that he has canceled the purported meeting, warning of consequences for anyone attempting to disrupt the peace by convening an unauthorized gathering.
“The last time I checked, I am still the APC leader in the state. No APC meeting can be summoned without my knowledge,” Governor Alia declared. “As the Chief Security Officer in the state, I should know when a legitimate gathering is supposed to hold.”
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He emphasized that both Nigeria and Benue State are not lawless and that any attempts to undermine state authority would not be tolerated. “Those who think they can undermine the authority of the state must know this and know peace,” he added.
Source: https://dailypost.ng/
