Court Orders DSS, Police, INEC Not to Interfere with PDP Congresses in Rivers State

In a decisive ruling, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Department of State Service (DSS), Police, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and seven other entities, preventing them from interfering with the upcoming congresses of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State.

The court order safeguards the PDP’s scheduled congresses, which are intended to elect new officers at the ward, local government, and state levels. These congresses will also select ad-hoc and national delegates in line with the PDP’s constitution, guidelines, and the adjusted timetable for 2024.

In response to an ex-parte application from six PDP members in Rivers State, Justice Lifu directed the PDP, its acting national chairman Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Hon. Umar Bature to proceed with the congresses as planned. The court emphasized strict adherence to the party’s guidelines and schedule pending the outcome of a motion for interlocutory injunction.

Justice Lifu further prohibited the PDP and its national officers from allowing any individual who did not obtain the necessary nomination forms within the stipulated timeframe to contest any elective position. This restriction remains in place until the pending motion is resolved.

The judge also mandated the six applicants to provide a fresh undertaking to compensate the defendants if the court later determines that the restraining orders were granted based on misleading information.

The case has been scheduled for August 15, when all parties will present their arguments.

A certified order, signed by Justice Lifu and Court Registrar Mrs. Awase Igba, detailed the ex-parte ruling, with Senior Advocate of Nigeria K. C. O. Njemanze representing the plaintiffs. Hon. Aaron Chukwuemeka, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, supported the application with an affidavit.

The plaintiffs in the case are Hon. Aaron Chukwuemeka, Dr. Benibo George, Solomon Ogbonna, Lenebari Inaania, Enia Harris, and ThankGod Owhorji. The defendants, listed as PDP, Damagum, Anyanwu, Bature, INEC, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Rivers State, Director General State Security Service, and DSS, face the court’s order as they prepare for the upcoming hearing.