A Rivers State High Court, led by Justice Charles Wali, has issued an order preventing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding any congress in the state. This decision came after an ex parte application by 21 party members, including Ilaye Sunday Kitchen and Agile Handsome Ekelechi.
The plaintiffs listed the party’s Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagun; the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature; and the National Financial Secretary, Mr. Daniel Woyegikuro as defendants. Also included were state party leaders such as Hon. Aaron Chuk Wuemeka, Dr. Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris, and ThankGod Owhorji.
The court was asked to restrain the national leadership from conducting any congresses in Rivers State. Justice Wali, after hearing from Emeka Ojoko Esq., ordered an interim injunction prohibiting the defendants and their associates from organizing any party congresses in the state on July 27, 2024, August 10, 2024, and August 31, 2024, or any other date, until the motion for an interlocutory injunction is resolved.
The judge also directed that the order be enforced by the fourth set of defendants to prevent any congress activities. Additionally, the motion on notice and the originating summons, along with the order, are to be served on the respondents through a national newspaper widely read in Rivers State.
The court noted that the plaintiffs must pay damages to the respondents if the application is deemed frivolous. The case has been scheduled for a hearing on the motion on notice on August 1, 2024.
(leadership)