PDP crisis: Court to give accelerated hearing

Prosper

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa will on Tuesday give accelerated hearing in the suit brought before it by the suspended chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Col. Sam Inokoba (retd.).

Inokoba had gone to court over the activities of the PDP’s Disciplinary Committee, which expelled some members for alleged anti-party activities.

The case instituted by Inokoba, and Mr. Osom Blankson, is challenging the constitution of the committee.

The court presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, refused to grant an order for an interim injunction filed by the applicants and directed the counsel to proceed with the originating motion.

Justice Abiri ruled that the disciplinary committee had already taken some actions by expelling and suspending some members and so, granting an injunction would have no effect any more.

She then adjourned the case until Tuesday for the substantive matter to begin.

Justice Abiri had granted an ex parte order for a substituted service on members of the disciplinary committee of the PDP who had been evading court service. Consequently, the court processes were pasted on the fence of the PDP secretariat in Yenagoa.

The first two defendants, Governor Seriake Dickson and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kemasuode Wodu, were personally served but the third to tenth defendants have not been served.

The third to tenth defendants include the secretary of the party, Mr. Godpower Keku and members of the committee headed by Mr. Cleopas Moses.

After ruling, counsel to the applicants, Dr. Sylvanus Abila, said they were happy with the ruling for the main matter to begin with accelerated hearing.
Source: PUNCH