Fed High Court in Rivers affirms PDP National Convention to hold in PortHacourt

Justice WATILA gave this indication in a ruling validating the Caretaker Committee of the PDP under the leadership of AHMED MARKARFI.

In a follow up to an injunction granted yesterday, the Judge also declared that all actions taken by the Caretaker Committee of the PDP are lawful.

Our correspondent reports that before the ruling, counsel to PDP factional Chairman, ALI MODU SHERIFF had requested to join in the matter but was turned down by Justice WATILA.

However, in affirming the motion on notice filed by the Secretary of the PDP National Convention Planning Committee, Senator BEN OBI, Justice WATILA declared that only the Caretaker Committee has the authority to oversee affairs of the PDP and conduct a national convention.

The Judge also ordered the law enforcement agencies to provide security protection for the PDP convention and ensure prudence during the event.

Justice WATILA said his ruling was based on the fact that there were no counter affidavits by the defendants before now.

Outside the courtroom, counsel to ALI MODU SHERIFF, YEMI GEORGE told correspondent VICTOR EZEAMA that he was disappointed that the judge refused to join his client in the suit.

On his part, counsel to the plaintiffs, WORI WORI said the decision of the court was in order, as her expressed hope that parties concerned will obey the position of the court.

You will recall that another Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice OKON ABANG had issued a counter injunction against the PDP National Convention in Port Harcourt.