Federal High Court Extends Order Preventing PDP’s Removal of Anyanwu as National Secretary

The Federal High Court in Abuja has prolonged the interim order that prohibits the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the national secretary of the party. This extension will remain in effect until the court concludes the hearing and makes a determination on the substantive matter.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, presiding over the case, issued the directive on Monday, instructing all involved parties to maintain the existing state of affairs in relation to the suit. The court has adjourned the matter and scheduled it for a hearing on December 19.

The court proceedings took an unexpected turn when Moses Onyilokwu, the counsel for the plaintiff, informed the court that although the matter was listed for a hearing, the lawyer representing the 1st to 4th defendants, Mohammed Atolagbe, had just served them with a counter affidavit in response to the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.

Onyilokwu requested a short period to respond to the application, emphasizing the need for time to address the newly submitted documents. Atolagbe, acknowledging the recent service of the counter affidavit, maintained that they were well within the time frame to file their substantive response.

Expressing disapproval of the delayed filing process, Justice Ekwo remarked that timely submission could have allowed for the consideration of the substantive matter on the same day. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the status quo, noting that once parties submit themselves to the court, no further actions should be taken to avoid adversely affecting the ongoing case.

The court’s decision to extend the order reflects its commitment to a fair and thorough legal process, ensuring that all parties have ample opportunity to present their arguments before a final determination is made.