ODILI is claiming six billion naira in damages against

PETERSIDE who is the Director General of the Nigerian

Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

Counsel to PETERSIDE, ROLAND OTARU, who is a Senior

Advocate of Nigeria, had asked the State High Court sitting in

Port Harcourt to set aside the matter against his client

because he was not properly served the writ of summons and

could be denied fair hearing.

But in her ruling on the application; Justice LAMIKANRA held

that DAKUKU PETERSIDE was properly served, and went

ahead to award the sum of forty thousand naira as cost in

favour of the accuser.

Following the development; the former Governor PETER ODILI

was cross-examined before the matter was adjourned to 23rd

February for continuation of hearing.

Outside the courtroom; the defence counsel, ROLAND OTARU

spoke with our Correspondent VICTOR EZEAMA on his take

on the ruling.

On his part; the prosecution counsel, KANU AGABI who is also

a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the defamation lawsuit of

his client, PETER ODILI, has been delayed for too long.