Court stops PDP from holding congress in Rivers

Justice Charles Wali of the Rivers State High Court, Port Harcourt, on Friday restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its National Executive Committee (NEC) from holding any congress in the state.
Those affected by the ruling are the PDP National Chairman, Iliya Damagum and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The judge, who delivered the ruling filed by some members of PDP in the state, also restrained their agents from gathering anywhere in the 319 wards of the 23 local government areas of the state for congresses pending the hearing and determination of suit no: PHC/2400/CS/2024 before him.
He said the order specifically prevented the respondents from conducting any congresses at the ward, local government, or state levels scheduled for July 27, August 10, and August 31 respectively.
Wali said the measure would remain effective pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction already filed.
He also ordered the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police in Rivers State; Director-General, Department Security Service (DSS); and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enforce the order on the specified dates or any other dates.
He ordered that the motion on notice and the originating summons, including this order, be served on the respondents through substituted means, specifically by publication in any widely read national newspaper in Rivers State.
He stressed that the applicants would be mandated to pay damages to the respondents if the application was found to be frivolous.
According to the judge, the decision was to ensure lawful proceedings within the state’s political framework and safeguard the legal process concerning the internal activities of the PDP.
“The court underscores the importance of adherence to judicial orders and the potential consequences of non-compliance,” he stated.
The judge adjourned the hearing on the matter to August 1.
The suit filed by David Omereji and 10 others is part of the supremacy battle between Governor Similaye Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The two former allies have been at loggerheads over the control of the state’s machinery since October last year with members of the state House of Assembly, political appointees, and other stakeholders split between the combatants.
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