Everything News
Hot Source
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has urged the Federal Government to make legislation to prohibit open grazing in the country. Alia made the call on Friday in Makurdi while declaring open the Benue Livestock Summit 2025, saying that ranches remained the only reasonable animal husbandry worldwide. The governor urged the Minister of Livestock Development to
Hot SourceFG Releases Withheld Allocations to Ibas, PDP Governors Head to Court
*Sole administrator orders payment of salaries to LG workers
*Charges traditional rulers to de-escalate tension
*Ijaw youths ask ECOWAS court to quash Fubara, Deputy, Assembly’s suspension
*Kwankwaso, CSOs condemn state of emergency, demand immediate reversal
*Northern group hails Tinubu
Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah, Kuni Tyessi in Abuja, Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt, Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos, Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano, Bassey Inyang in Calabar
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State and former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas yesterday disclosed that the federal government has released the withheld River State local government council allocations.
This was as Ibas urged traditional rulers in the State to collaborate with his administration and ensure the de-escalation of tension in the state.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum at its third monthly virtual meeting yesterday resolved to challenge the State of Emergency in Rivers State in court.
But ahead of the planned legal action by the PDP Governors, a group of Ijaw youth who were dissatisfied with the latest development in the State have asked the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Court), in Abuja, to set aside and/or quash the suspension of elected officials and removal of democratic structures and institutions by the federal government.
Also yesterday, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and a former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, described the state of emergency declared in Rivers State as illegal and unconstitutional.
In the same vein, over 300 civil society organisations (CSOs) condemned the act saying it’s not only unconstitutional but Anti- constitutional and a dent in democracy. The CSOs which included Yiaga Africa, Feminist Womanifesto, Enough is Enough Nigeria, stated that amongst other forms of illegalities, the President abused presidential prerogative (Section 305, 1999 Constitution) and was responsible for the unconstitutional & opaque actions of the National Assembly, as well as the illegitimate removal of elected officials (Section 188 and Federalism Provisions).
However, a northern group, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT), commended President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
This comes as the Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, disassociated himself from the position of the South-south Governors Forum over the declaration of a State-of-Emergency in Rivers State
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, few hours after two oil facilities were attacked by yet to be identified person or groups.
Besides, Tinubu went ahead to suspend the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Addressing Heads of Local Government Administration from the 23 LGAs, Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), noted that the workers had suffered hardship following the seizure of the allocation due to the directive of the Supreme Court judgement of February 28, 2025.
He said “I stand before you here not just as an administrator, but as a fellow servant of the people of Rivers State, dedicated to ensuring that Rivers State rises to its full potential as a beacon of hope and prosperity in Nigeria.
“The Niger Delta region is blessed with abundant natural resources, yet our people have not fully reaped the benefit of these blessings. This is unacceptable. As leaders we must feel the pains of our people and offer them a more positive inclusive and transformative leadership. This is the standard I expected from all of you.
“I am very much aware of the hardship faced by workers in the local government areas, due to the non-payment of salaries for the month of April, at least March is almost coming to an end.
“This is an unfortunate situation that arose as a result of withholding of the monthly allocations following the Supreme Court Judgment that was delivered on February 28, 2025, which annulled the local government councils of October 5, 2024.”
Ibas who directed the LGAs Head of Services to submit all the relevant documents for clarity and accuracy in payment of the salaries, said, “I sincerely feel the pains of these workers, many of whom have endured months of hardship. Let me assure you that the withheld allocations have now been released and I hereby issue a directive that all the necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid without any further delay.
“To this end, I hereby direct further that all local government areas furnish my office with your wage paid by way of brief through the office of Head of Service. This will enable me to acquaint myself with the situation in such a matter.”
He said “The local government is the closest tier of government to the people, as such you (Head of Administrations) bear the sacred responsibility to ensure that the affairs of your councils are run with utmost care, respect and dedication to the welfare of the people. My administration will not tolerate any form of reckless abuse of office or misuse of public funds.
“Henceforth there must be accountability and value for money. I have just six months, perhaps you too have the same six months, but we must ensure that Rivers state see how their money is used.”
Similarly, while speaking with traditional rulers in Government House, Yesterday, Vice Admiral Ibas solicited for their support in restoring law, order and stability to the State, stressing that Rivers state is the heart of Niger Delta and a major contributor to the nation’s economy.
Ibas said “As a son of Niger Delta, I hold deep lot of respect for this region and its people. Rivers State especially holds a special place in my heart. It is a state blessed with abundant natural resources. The brant culture and hardworking people who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation.”
The administrator expressed pains over the recent disorder, insecurity and instability that played in the state recently.
He said “As a former chief of the naval staff, I have dedicated my live to protecting our nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of our people.
“It is therefore, disheartening to witness the breakdown of law and order in a state as vital as Rivers State. But let me assure, Your Royal Majesties and the good people of Rivers State, that I am fully positioned to restoring peace and order. I will do everything possible within my power and reach to give Rivers people the sense of pride, honour, security they are all known for.”
He restated that the primary mandate of his administration was to restore law and order in the State.
“Rivers State is not just geographical entity; it is the heartbeat of the Niger Delta and critical contributor to the national economy. We cannot afford to allow lawlessness, sabotage or threat to our national assets to persist.
“My administration is committed to upholding justice, fairness and civil order, ensuring that every residence of Rivers State can live, work and thrive in an environment of peace and security. As the saying goes, a society without order is a society without progress.”
Noting that the task ahead cannot be achieved in isolation, Ibas said “The traditional institution is a vital partner in this mission. You are the bridge between government and the people. The custodian our values and mediators in terms of conflict. The wisdom influence and leadership are indispensable in our collect effort to de-escalate tension, foster unity and rebuild the trust among our people.”
Speaking further, the administrator advised the monarchs to shun partisanship and any gathering not in collective benefit of the State.
He assured that his leadership would initiate community policing for better security of the state. He warned that his government will not condone any form of criminal act.
Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers at the meeting held in Government House, Port Harcourt, described the appointment of the Vice Admiral Ibas as well made, saying he has become the peacemaker that must sufficiently address the conflict that had lingered in the state in the past months.
PDP Governors to Take Legal Action Against Tinubu, Ijaw Group Sues President
Meanwhile, in a communique of the meeting signed by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State/Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, the opposition Governors reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria.
“Therefore we have resolved to instruct our Attorneys General in the PDP-controlled States to challenge Section 305 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended and subject it to judicial interpretation.
”The Forum stands in solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history.
”Finally, the Forum enjoined the people of Rivers State and Nigerians in general not to despair in the face of this atrocious intimidation,” they added.
Governors in Attendance were Mohammed (Bauchi State); Fubara, Vice Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum (Rivers State); Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State); Sen. Diri Douye (Bayelsa State); Dr. Peter N. Mbah (Governor, Enugu State); Sen. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State); Dr. Agbu Kefas (Taraba State); Dr. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), and Sir Monday Onyeme (Delta State) – Deputy Governor.
In the meantime, the request by the Ijaw youth at the ECOWAS court was made in a suit filed by Harry Ibiso and 11 others, challenging the declaration of a “State of Emergency” in Rivers State, following the protracted political crisis in the state.
Displeased with the act of the president, the plaintiffs who sued on their behalf and that of Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, asked the community court to reverse the decision of the federal government.
In the application dated March 20, and filed same day, the applicants are specifically seeking an order setting aside and/or quashing the suspension of elected officials and removal of the democratic structures and institutions in Rivers State as an imperative for the enthronement of a full- fledged democratic order.
In the suit marked ECW/CCJ/APP/18/25, the applicants are also praying for an order of court setting aside all decisions, actions, policies and
directives given or issued by the Sole Administrator appointed by the defendant’s President on March 18.
The application was brought pursuant to Articles III and IV of the supplementary protocol amending ECOWAS Court’s protocol; Article II of the Protocol of the court and Article 33 of the Rules of the court.
The applicants averred that the Respondent’s President (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), elected into political office, lacked the powers to remove or suspend the governor of a state, who was also elected into the office.
They held that by removing the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and members of Rivers State House of Assembly, fundamental rights of the applicants and the people of Rivers State have been violated.
They therefore insisted that the actions of the respondent’s President have not only drowned, diffused and collapsed the constitutional rights of the applicants and the people of the state in neo-junta governance but also put them into unconstitutional, undemocratic and arbitrary manner of governance which they cannot fit into.
The crux of the applicant’s complaint was anchored on the infringements on their rights to have a government of their choice as people of Rivers State in their individual and collective capacities as the defining constitutional order under the framework of democratic values.
According to them, the actions of the Respondent’s President do not advance the course of democracy and human rights in their contextual and contemporary forms “when national Presidents exhibit absoluteness in determining the existence and functioning of democratic systems in national sub-units by upturning and collapsing entrenched democratic systems.”
“A state of emergency cannot be guise or subterfuge for the usurpation of the executive functions of the Governor or the exercise of the law making powers of the legislature”, the applicants held.
The court is yet to fix a date for hearing in the matter.
Kwankwaso, 300 CSOs Condemn State of Emergency, Demand Reversal
Meanwhile, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has described the state of emergency declared on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. as illegal and unconstitutional.
Kwankwaso argued in a statement that the current political crisis in Rivers State does not justify such a flawed interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
He criticised Tinubu’s actions, labeling them as anarchic and disrespectful to the highest public office in Rivers State.
The NNPP leader urged the judiciary to uphold its role as a fair and impartial custodian of the law in Nigeria, emphasising that the third tier should ensure justice is served equally to all political parties, “and it’s time for them to take responsibility for their critical role in the country’s democratic process”
“The decision by the legislators to speedily discuss and decide on a state of emergency that alters the democratic leadership structure in Rivers State undermines our democracy.
“Our judiciary also has the very important task of balancing the balance of power by being fair to all parties in any conflict. I believe that as the custodians of the Law in Nigeria they need to wake up to their responsibility of calming nerves by being as just as possible, with judgments devoid of any hint of external influence.
“At this age of our democracy, this action by President Tinubu to suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional, but also a recipe for anarchy and disregard for the highest public office in the state. The National Assembly that should check this excess should not encourage it.
“Moreover, for a politician that prides himself as a consistent advocate and defender of democracy in our country, the decision by President Tinubu to draft in the military into a position of leadership is hugely dangerous to the progress we have made in the 26 years of democratic journey.
“Bola Tinubu should know better than bringing the military closer to power after the good work President Olusegun Obasanjo did of confining them to their barracks while he led this country” he said.
Kwankwaso added “This proclamation and the subsequent pronouncements by the Attorney General of the Federation have now sent numerous people in States led by the opposition into disarray, as they set a dangerous precedence for how the Head of State can grip on states that do not share the same political standing with the centre.”
Similarly, over 300 CSOs yesterday condemned the act saying it was not only unconstitutional, but anti- constitutional and a dent in democracy.
For this reason, the CSOs demanded for an immediate reversal, a thorough legislative oversight as enshrined by the Constitution, full autonomy to the judiciary to operate on merit, and restoration of constitutional order amongst others.
Speaking at a press briefing on behalf of the CSOs in Abuja, under the theme, “Citizens and Civil Society Organisations Condemn the Unconstitutional State of Emergency in Rivers State”, Executive Director of FixPolitics, Anthony Ubani, argued that the action constituted an executive coup against the people of Rivers State, a flagrant abuse of executive power, a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional order, and an undermining of democracy.
He stressed that while it was agreed that it was the prerogative of the President to declare a state of emergency and that the President can exercise that legal authority to make such a declaration under specific conditions as outlined in the Constitution, this power is not absolute and is subject to legislative oversight and judicial review to prevent abuse.
“We unequivocally condemn President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a
State of Emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent removal of the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months, in the first instance.
“Contrary to the Constitution, we have witnessed abuse of power, disregard of due process, and the violation of democratic principles with the President’s imposition of a State of Emergency and appointment of an unconstitutional Administrator in Rivers state and the National Assembly’s complicity in ratifying unconstitutionality.
“The Constitution does not
support the unilateral dismissal of Rivers State’s elected leaders, which is an egregious violation of Nigeria’s federal structure. Section 188 sets out the due process for the removal of a governor, which requires due process, legislative inquiry, and judicial oversight. No such process occurred.
“We demand an immediate reversal of the unconstitutional removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members in Rivers State and call on members of the National Assembly who were not part of yesterday’s charade to speak up against
the violation of the Constitution”.
Northern Group Hails Tinubu
A northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), commended Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. The group also praised the President’s decision to suspend Governor Simminalayi Fubara and the State Assembly, saying it prevented a looming crisis.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Convener of the Group, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, declaring a state of emergency in the middle of a crisis wouldn’t have been ideal. However, stopping the trouble before it escalated was wise.
“So, for us at Arewa Think Tank, President Tinubu has taken the best action by imposing a state of emergency on Rivers State. By doing so, he has saved the state from the looming anarchy, bloodshed, and economic sabotage through vandalization and destruction of our oil and gas facilities in that state. So, people should stop blaming Mr. President.
“Nigerians must learn to appreciate their leaders who are making decisions for national interest rather than personal interests because the approval of the emergency rule is for the national interest and progress.
“We also know that the senators unanimously agreed to approve the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers as part of its constitutional power in line with section 305 (2)
“The Senate invokes the powers conferred on it by Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitutional Referral Report of Nigeria as amended and approves the proclamation of the state of emergency declared by Mr President in Rivers State of Nigeria.
“The Senate further directs that the declaration of the state of emergency stated in the proclamation documents and demands of Mr President to review and even to terminate the state of emergency at any given time, but not later than six months.
“Therefore, we want to advise here that there should be a committee to reconcile Fubara and Wike and other warring groups within the State before the expiration of the suspension.
“This committee to reconcile the warring factions in Rivers State should consist of eminent Nigerians, persons of timber and calibre,” the statement read.
C’River Governor Dissociates Self from South-south Governors Forum
The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, disassociated himself from the position of the South-south Governors Forum over the declaration of a State-of-Emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement yesterday, and signed by his Press Secretary, Fred Abua, Odey, said that he was neither consulted nor was his opinion sought before the issuance of the statement.
“The position of the forum does not reflect the views of the Government of Cross River State, which fully aligns with the decision of Mr. President, taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability,” the statement said.
The statement said further that, “Every responsible government must prioritise the protection of lives and property, and where circumstances necessitate decisive action, such measures should be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity. Cross River State remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.”
*Sole administrator orders payment of salaries to LG workers *Charges traditional rulers to de-escalate tension *Ijaw youths ask ECOWAS court to quash Fubara, Deputy, Assembly’s suspension*Kwankwaso, CSOs condemn state of
Hot SourceAfter Supreme Court Judgement, Victory Claims Deepen PDP Power Tussle
*Apex court asks party to decide its national secretary, Anyanwu, Okoye sustain battle
*South-east zonal committee affirms Okoye
*High court restrains Tom Ikimi’s disciplinary committee from expelling Anyanwu
Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja
The hope that the judgment by the Supreme Court which stated that the issue brought before it by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the dispute of its National Secretary was an internal party matter that should be resolved within the party without external interference would usher in peace in the political party has faded with both interest groups claiming victory.
The apex court nullified the judgements of the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court, which sacked Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) saying that the issue being an internal affair of the party ought not to have been adjudicated upon by any court.
However, while a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party yesterday claimed the judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirmed the standing position of the PDP leadership, and argued that it emphatically settles the emergence of Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as its substantive National Secretary, Anyanwu called on party members to disregard the statement that emanated from the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba on the matter.
While the Anyanwu camp was celebrating that the judgment was in his favour, the South East Zonal Executive Committee of the party congratulated Okoye. The congratulatory message was issued by the South East Zonal Executive Committee Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa.
While both contenders were still claiming and counterclaiming on the judgment, a High Court in Abuja under Justice H Mauzu issued a restraining order against the Tom Ikimi-led Disciplinary Committee of the party from expelling Anyanwu.
A five-member panel of the apex court yesterday held that the issue of who was the National Secretary of the PDP borders on the internal affairs of a political party which is not justiciable.
Anyanwu had approached the apex court to set aside the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal and the trial court which had sacked him as National Secretary on account of participating in the 2023 governorship election in Imo State.
Anyanwu, through his lawyer, Mr. Ken Njemanze, SAN, had argued that the two lower courts erred in law when they dabbled into the issue of the internal affairs of the PDP.
They had also challenged the right of Aniagu Emmanuel to bring the suit against Anyanwu at the Federal High Court, adding that he cannot be an advocate of Udeh Okoye, nominated to serve out the tenure of Anyanwu.
The PDP had appointed Okoye to serve out the tenure of Anyanwu on the grounds that Anyanwu had relinquished his position of National Secretary, when he purchased the expression of interest and nomination form of the PDP and subsequently emerged as the candidate of the PDP in the governorship election in Imo State in 2023.
The PDP further claimed that its Constitution provided for Anyanwu’s resignation as National Secretary before contesting for the office of governor, which he lost to Governor Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
But, Anyanwu argued this claim to the contrary, accusing the respondents of doctoring the party’s constitution, adding that he never resigned to contest the Imo guber election.
Besides, he maintained that the issue of who was the authentic National Secretary of the PDP was not what any court should entertain and urged the court to allow his appeal and reserve his sack by the two lower courts.
Reacting, counsel to Emmanuel disagreed that the issue was purely that of an internal affairs of the PDP, pointing out that Anyanwu cannot, having gone to participate in the Imo State governorship election then return to assume his position of National Secretary.
The respondent through his lawyer Chief Paul Erokoro, SAN, further argued that the court could still look into the issue of the leadership of political parties, when the need arises, as in the instant case, adding that the apex court had been inconsistent with the issue.
Erokoro cited the case of former PDP National Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff and asked the court to deviate from other judgments where it held that the issue of leadership of political parties was not justiciable.
Delivering judgment yesterday, the apex court agreed with Anyanwu that the issue before the court centered around the leadership of the PDP, which is not justiciable.
“Issues that borders on the leadership of a political party should not be the business of any court”, Justice Jamilu Tukur, who delivered the lead judgment held.
He explained that, “the trial court and majority judgment of the Court of Appeal had it wrong when they assumed jurisdiction to entertain the suit”.
According to him, the few exceptions where the court can dabble into the internal affairs of a political party, are when the Constitution provided such grounds or there was a criminal findings or the party breached its own laws and regulations.
Tukur stated that, “The respondents did not show how the guidelines and regulations of the party were violated” in the instant case.
Besides, the apex court held that the plaintiff, Aniagu Emmanuel, who initiated the suit at the trial court lacked the necessary legal backing to do so, since he did not show how he was affected by who is the National Secretary of the PDP.
He described Emmanuel as a “busybody interloper” because he failed to show what harm he stands to suffer with Anyanwu as the National Secretary.
“He has not shown what his interest is and …. Or whatever he would suffer” with Anyanwu as National Secretary.
The apex court in addition, observed that Udeh Okoye, who was the beneficiary of the sack of Anyanwu as National Secretary was not joined as a party in the suit in line with the law.
Tukur subsequently allowed the appeal by Anyanwu and declared that, “the majority judgment of the court of appeal” which sacked Anyanwu as National Secretary, “is hereby set aside and the minority judgment by Justice Ekanem is hereby affirmed.
“The trial court judgment is also struck out for want of jurisdiction”.
Tukur ordered that parties were to bear their respective costs.
PDP: Supreme Court Judgment Affirms Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary
The NWC of the PDP while reacting to the turn of events said the judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirmed the standing position of the Party and emphatically settles the emergence of Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the Party.
The PDP in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said Udeh Okoye having been duly nominated, endorsed and ratified through the internal mechanism of the PDP statutory Organs and bodies in line with provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) remains the National Secretary of the Party.
Ologunagba, said for clarity, the National Working Committee (NWC) at its 576th meeting held on the 11th of October, 2023, directed the South East Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Senator Samuel Anyanwu upon Senator Anyanwu’s nomination as the governorship candidate of the PDP to contest the November 2023 Governorship election in Imo State.
The statement said consequent upon the directive of the NWC, the South East Zonal Executive Committee at its meeting held on the 20th of October 2023 passed a resolution approving the emergence and forwarding of the name of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye to the NWC as the National Secretary of the Party.
Ologunagba said that accordingly, the NWC at its 577th meeting held on 7th of November 2023 pursuant to its powers under the PDP Constitution, duly received, deliberated upon, accepted and approved the emergence of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye as the National Secretary of the Party.
The PDP NWC stressed that the appointment of Udeh Okoye has since been endorsed by relevant Organs and bodies of the PDP including the Board of Trustees (BoT), South East Zonal Caucus, the PDP Governors’ Forum and officially communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public.
South-East PDP Congratulates Okoye
The South East Zonal Executive Committee of the PDP congratulated Okoye on the affirmation of his position as the National Secretary of the PDP by the Supreme Court.
The South East PDP, in a statement co-issued by the Chairman of the Zonal Executive Committee, Chief Ali Odefa, and the Zonal Secretary, Hon. James Ugwu, yesterday, equally hailed the Supreme Court for saving, not just the party, but also the nation’s democracy from the hands of those bent on destroying it for their selfish political capital.
Reacting to the apex court ruling, the statement said, “This is not just a victory for Rt. Hon. Udeh-Okoye as a person, but also for the party as a whole and for the nation’s democracy in general.
“This judgment expressly ratifies the South Zonal Executive Committee’s nomination of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary to serve-out the remaining tenure of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had won the party’s nomination as its flag bearer in the Imo 2023 governorship election. It equally validates Udeh-Okoye’s ratification by the National Working Committee (NWC) on November 7, 2023 and his endorsement by various organs of the party.
“Consequently, the South East heartily congratulates our party leaders, party faithful, and, of course, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye on this momentous victory.
“We are happy that this judgment has finally reestablished party supremacy and the ramifications of this decision is a big win for not just the PDP, but for all the political parties in Nigeria. By this decision, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed that, as our people would say, the okra can never be taller than the person that planted it. The party is supreme.”
Disregard Ologunagba, Says Anyanwu
Meanwhile, Anyanwu has called on party members to disregard the statement by Ologunagba, saying it has no basis.
Anyanwu in his statement contesting Ologunagba’s views said, ”The judgments of the Enugu High Court and Appeal Court were set aside while upholding the minority judgment of the Appeal court panel.
”The prayers of the appellant (Samuel N Anyanwu) affirming him as the authentic National Secretary of PDP were all guaranteed. The High Court of Enugu has no jurisdiction to the case.
”The plaintiff, Emeka Aniagu in the case lacked the locus to file the case which makes the case null and void ab initio. He was further described as busy body. In the same manner Udeh Okoye was described as a meddlesome interloper.
”Conclusively, the appeal of Senator Samuel Anyanwu was upheld and his position as National Secretary of PDP affirmed.”
Court Restrains Ikimi Disciplinary Committee from Expelling Anyanwu
Justice H Mauzu of the High Court of Justice also yesterday in Abuja, restrained the Tom Ikimi led Disciplinary Committee from expelling Anyanwu. The suit was adjourned to April 7 2025.
The Ikimi led committee had 10 days recommended to the PDP national working committee that Anyanwu should be expelled for anti-party activities.
The certified true copy was signed by Hadiza Ajanah, the registrar of the court. The order was dated March 20, 2025
The Court presided by Justice H. Mauzu ”restrained the 1st and 2nd Defendants their officers, agents and or servants from in whatsoever manner accepting, acting on, implementing and or giving effect to the findings, decision and or recommendation of
The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (headed by the 3rd Defendant with 4th-9th Defendants as members) made on 10 March, 2025 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed simultaneously with this instant Motion ex-parte.
”An Order of Interim Injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants including the National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, their officers, agents and or servants from in howsoever or whatsoever manner from suspending and or expelling the Plaintiff as a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party or taking actions or steps adverse or prejudicial to or likely to be adverse or prejudicial to the Plaintiff’s membership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed FCT – ABUJA.”
Orbih Congratulates Anyanwu
Chief Dan Osi Orbih, a claimant to the National Vice Chairman, PDP South-south Zone, has congratulated Anyanwu over the Supreme Court ruling.
In a statement, entitled: “Congratulatory Message”, Orbih wrote: “Dear Senator Samuel Anyanwu. On behalf of the newly elected members of the South Zonal Working Committee, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your outstanding victory in the Supreme Court, affirming you as the authentic National Secretary of the PDP.
“This landmark judgment not only restores your position as National Secretary but also reinforces the values of rule of law and constitutionalism within our great party.
“As you resume duties in your office, I urge you to be bold, firm, and courageous in the discharge of your duties. Your leadership is vital in steering the PDP towards a brighter future, and we are confident in your ability to navigate the challenges ahead with wisdom and integrity.
“Rest assured, you have the unwavering support and cooperation of the South zone under my leadership, as well as the commitment of the Zonal Working Committee to work collaboratively with you. Together, we will strive to build a stronger and more vibrant PDP that is true to its core principles. Congratulations once again, and may the remainder of your tenure be marked by success and transformative progress for our party.”
*Apex court asks party to decide its national secretary, Anyanwu, Okoye sustain battle *South-east zonal committee affirms Okoye *High court restrains Tom Ikimi’s disciplinary committee from expelling Anyanwu Chuks Okocha and Alex
