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Party Appeals Abuja Court Ruling …Says Court Order Ineffective …Police Ready For Today’s Convention
The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has asked the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to vacate the order stopping it from going ahead with the planned National Convention of the party scheduled for today.
Already, the group has applied for stay of execution of the interim order of injunction that Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued against them on Monday.
Abang had ordered the Markafi-led National Working Committee (NWC), of the PDP to suspend the Convention which is billed to hold in Port Harcourt, pending the determination of an interlocutory motion the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the party filed before the court.
Meanwhile, at the resumed hearing of the suit, yesterday, Markafi and six other members of the PDP NWC, informed Abang that they have already taken the matter before the Court of Appeal.
Markafi and the others, who are 3rd to 9th defendants in the matter, told the court through their lawyer, Mr. Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, that their notice of appeal was dated August 15.
Besides, they also filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of Abang to continue presiding over the matter.
“Most especially, my Lord, we are challenging the interim order of injunction restraining the holding of the 2nd defendant’s convention”, Orbih, SAN, added.
Nevertheless, Abang stressed that none of the applications have been transmitted to his court by the registry.
Even though Sheriff’s lawyer, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, did not oppose Orbih’s plea for a stand down of the matter to enable him fetch the processes from central registry of the court, Abang, in a bench ruling, rejected the request.
The judge said he was only bound by processes before him, noting however that ordinarily, issue bordering on jurisdiction of the court ought to be resolved first.
“It is not the duty of the court to descend into the arena to assist any party”, Abang held, saying he would not take any of the processes into consideration since they were not in his file.
He said the 3rd to 9th defendants violently violated an order he made on July 28, by allowing Senator Obi to “slap the face of the court” when he secretly obtained an ex-parte order from another court despite the pendency of the suit.
Specifically, Sheriff and eight others had approached the court, praying it to stop the proposed National Convention of the party.
Other plaintiffs behind the suit are Prof. Wale Oladapo (National Secretary); Dennis Alonge-Niyi (Deputy National Youth Leader); Alhaji Bashir Maidugu (Deputy National Legal Adviser); Mrs. Hanatu Ulam (Deputy National Women Leader); Alhaji Lawal Dutsima Anchi (Deputy National Auditor); Chief Okey Nnadozie (Deputy National Organising Secretary) and Chief Olisa Metuh (National Publicity Secretary).
The plaintiffs are contending that allowing the Makarfi-led faction to proceed with the convention would affect the ‘Res’ of the substantive suit they filed on July 4, wherein they are contending that their tenure in office ought to expire in 2018.
The plaintiffs said they filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/464/2016, for themselves and on behalf of the Executive Committee/National Working Committee of the PDP.
Though only PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were initially cited as defendants in the case, however, despite opposition from the Sheriff-led faction, Abang, on Monday, joined Makarfi and six others as defendants in the suit.
Aside Makarfi, those allowed into the matter as 4th to 9th defendants were Senator Ben Obi, Odion Ugbesia, Abdul Ningi, Kabiru Usman, Dayo Adeyeye and Aisha Aliyu. Justice Abang joined them shortly after he issued the interim order of injunction suspending the planned national convention of the party.
However, the court is yet to commence hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for interim injunction against the convention.
Remarkably, another division of the High Court in Port Harcourt had on Monday, okayed the convention.
The court presided over by Justice Ibrahim Watila not only directed INEC to monitor the convention, it also ordered relevant security agencies in the country to provide security to the delegates.
However, One of the aspirants seeking to emerge as the new spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabir Usman, a lawyer, has said that the order given by an Abuja Federal High Court postponing the party’s national convention is ineffective.
The Tide recalls that Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Monday granted an interim order suspending the August 17 National Convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, pending the determination of the application filed before him on July 20.
The judge gave the order after a lawyer representing the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction had informed him that the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction’s National Secretary, Senator Ben Obi, had approached the Port Harcourt division of the Federal High Court to obtain an interim injunction.
The Federal High Court, Port Harcourt’s injunction had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take part in the convention.
However, Kabir, yesterday, said that the Port Harcourt order was “very specific and was given last week” while, the Abuja order was given only on Monday.
“Monday’s ruling was intolerable and unacceptable and cannot stand. It is the misconduct of the highest order,” he said.
The Makarfi faction had already said it would go ahead with the convention in line with the ruling of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.
Kabir, who served as the head of the legal unit of the Makarfi faction’s caretaker committee before he resigned to run for election, said that anyone opposed to the Port Harcourt court ruling has a right to go on appeal and “not a court of equal jurisdiction.
“In any case, everybody is in Port Harcourt already, so who are they going to serve? We only read about the order in the pages of newspapers,” he said.
On his chances in the election, Kabir said he was sure of emerging victorious after he was endorsed by the northern caucus of the party.
He is from Kogi State, in North-Central Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command said yesterday that it had made adequate security arrangements for the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni told newsme in Port Harcourt that the command had carried out necessary deployments for the convention.
“ The command is prepared for the convention; necessary deployments have been carried out and we are prepared for the convention,” he said.
Omoni said the command had made arrangements to protect lives and property in the state while the convention was on.
“ Remember, that there are other Nigerians living in the state.
“The command is aware of this fact and will provide security for all including those attending the convention and others living in the state,” he said.
The spokesman however declined to disclose the number of police personnel deployed for the convention.
Meanwhile, Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, venue of the convention, is now wearing a new look.
Our Correspondent who visited the stadium, reports that workers were seen putting finishing touches to the podium and spectators stand.
Security was also tight as policemen and other security officials were seen screening people entering the stadium.
Some officials of the PDP were also seen at the venue inspecting final preparations by various committees charged with organising the convention.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.