Crisis: Court Gives Fresh Order To DSS, Police, Others Ahead Of PDP Congresses In Rivers

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order preventing the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and seven other entities from interfering with the upcoming ward and local government congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State.

The scheduled congresses aim to elect new officers to oversee the PDP’s activities at the ward, local government, and state levels, as well as to elect ad-hoc and national delegates according to the party’s constitution, guidelines, and the adjusted timetable of activities for 2024.

Justice Lifu’s ruling came in response to an ex-parte application filed by six PDP members from Rivers State. The judge instructed the PDP, its Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature to proceed with the congresses as planned. He emphasized the need for the party and its national officers to adhere strictly to the guidelines, timetable, and schedule of activities until the resolution of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.

Moreover, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP and its national officers from allowing any individuals who did not obtain the necessary nomination or ad-hoc forms within the stipulated timeframe to contest for any elective office or delegate positions within the party. This order will remain effective until the motion on notice is resolved.

The judge also mandated the six PDP members who filed the ex-parte application to provide a fresh undertaking to indemnify the defendants, which the court will assess if it is later determined that the restraining orders were granted based on misleading information.

Justice Lifu has scheduled August 15 for all parties involved in the motion on notice to present their defenses. The six PDP members who initiated the ex-parte application are Aaron Chukwuemeka, Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris, and ThankGod Owhorji.