Fresh crisis again erupts in the South East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as faction of the party in the zone disowned Chief Ali Odefa as member and Vice Chairman of the party in the zone.
PDP had at its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting last month, resolved to reinstate Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, as against Sunday Ude-Okoye who is the choice of the zone for the same position.
But a group under the aegis of South East PDP Stakeholders, said Chief Odefa is not a member or officer of the party, and as such has no legal right to act or speak on behalf of the zone in any capacity.
Seprebofa Oyeghe who spoke on behalf of the group, said Egwu Chidebere Goodluck is the duly nominated National Vice Chairman (South East) of the PDP, and disclosed that there was an order of perpetual injunction restraining Chief Ali Odefa from parading himself as a member or officer of the PDP, or participating in party activities in any form, have not been appealed or vacated by him.
“This position has been clearly established and reaffirmed through two separate judgements delivered by courts of competent jurisdiction,” Oyeghe stated, citing the judgement of Justice Hillary Oshomah of Federal High Court, Abakaliki delivered on February 26, which he said upheld Odefa’s suspension and expulsion, as well as another judgement delivered on April 10, that reaffirmed the validity of earlier judgement expelling Chief Odefa.
He said the judgements recognised Goodluck as PDP Vice Chairman (South East), and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord him full recognition as such.
“Importantly, these two court judgments have not been appealed or vacated by Chief Ali Odefa or any other affected persons in any court within Nigeria.
“As such, they remain valid, subsisting, and binding on all parties involved, including the PDP, INEC, and Chief Odefa himself,” Oyeghe said.
According to him, in the eye of the law and in accordance with the PDP Constitution and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, Chief Ali Odefa is no longer a member of the PDP and cannot act, represent, or speak in any capacity on behalf of the party.
“Any actions, correspondence, or claims emanating from him under the guise of PDP representation are null, void, and of no effect whatsoever,” he added.
According to him, it would be contemptuous and affect the validity of any decision arrived at in the PDP NEC meeting, or any other meeting, if Chief Odefa attends any of the proposed meetings of the party.
“We are aware of the NWC meeting and a NEC meeting. We are aware of plans by the party to allow Chief Odefa, (who has been expelled) to attend the said meetings.
“We reiterate that the legal team of Hon. Chidiebere Egwu, remain vigilant and would take all lawful steps to ensure that the valid and subsisting orders of court are obeyed and complied with and legal machinery would be put in place to hold Damagun liable for contempt.
“The Damagun led PDP cannot elect to treat valid judgements of court with ridicule and disdain,” he warned.
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