Court bars PDP from holding congress in Rivers

Justice Charles Wali of the Rivers State High Court, Port Harcourt, on Friday barred 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 National Chairman of the PDP, Iliya Damagum and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The judge who delivered the ruling filed by some PDP members in the state also restrained their agents from assembling anywhere in 319 wards in 23 local government areas of the state for congress pending the hearing and determination of the suit number: PHC/2400/CS/2024 before him.

He said the order specifically prevents the respondents from holding any congresses at the ward, local government or state levels scheduled for July 27, August 10 and August 31 respectively.

The mayor said the action would remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the proposed interim order that had been submitted.

He also directed the Inspector-General of Police, Commissioner of Police in Rivers State; Director-General, Departmental Security Service (DSS); and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enforce the order on the specified date or any other date.

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He ordered that the initial notice and summons, including this order, be served on the respondents through alternate means, particularly through publication in a widely read national newspaper in Rivers State.

He emphasized that if the applicant’s request is considered unfounded, the applicant will be subject to sanctions to pay compensation to the respondent.

According to the judge, the decision was intended to ensure the implementation of a legitimate legal process within the framework of state politics and to safeguard the legal process related to PDP’s internal activities.

“The court underscored the importance of compliance with court orders and the potential consequences of failure to comply,” he said.

The judge postponed the hearing on the matter until August 1.

The suit filed by David Omereji and 10 others is part of a supremacy battle between Governor Similaye Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

The two former allies have been at loggerheads over control of the state machinery since October last year, with state lawmakers, political officials and other stakeholders split between the warring parties.

Court stops PDP from holding congress in Rivers first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.