Court stops PDP from suspending, expelling Rivers governor-elect, others loyal to Wike

Tamarauemi Ebimini

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from suspending or expelling members perceived to be loyal to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Siminlalayi Fubara, Rivers PDP governor-elect and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, who were backed by Mr Wike in the 18 March governors election, had sued the party and its executives over alleged plan to suspend or expel them over their association with the outgoing governor.

They filed the suit alongside 48 federal and state legislators from the state.

Also, Sandy Onor, Cross Rivers PDP governorship candidate, and his running mate, Ambrose Emana, had sued the party and its executives over allegations bordering on planned suspension.

Delivering judgement on two separate suits filed by the plaintiffs, the judge, Inyang Ekwo, held that the fears of the applicants were well founded, and that suspending or expelling them would amount to the breach of their rights to freedom of association.

The judge held that it was the power of the court to grant a redress to persons who had well established acts that would amount to an infringement on their rights.

He said that due process of law must be followed by any organisation set up by law while dealing with issues relating to law.

He said members of political parties cannot be suspended arbitrarily without compliance with the political party’s guidelines.

He said “the applicants have established that the respondents will likely tamper with their rights,” adding that the case of the applicants succeeded on merit.

NAN reports that plaintiffs’ lawyer, Musa, and the defence counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, had, on 24 March, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the suits. The suits were then adjourned for judgment.