THE Supreme Court is displeased with the reluctance of the leadership of the National Assembly to obey its judgments sacking members of the legislature.
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen, spoke the court’s mind yesterday during proceedings in a motion filed by sacked member of the House of Representatives Iorwase Herman Hembe.
The Supreme Court had, in a judgment on June 23 this year, sacked Hembe on the grounds that he was not the proper candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC) for the last National Assembly election in Benue State.
The court among others, ordered that Hembe vacate the seat at the House of Reps and be replaced by Mrs. Dorothy Mato for the Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency of Benue State.
Hembe was also ordered to refund money paid to him since he got to the House.
Rather than abide by the court’s judgment, Hembe went before the Supreme Court with a fresh application and asked the court to reverse itself and refer the case for hearing at the trial court.
Yesterday, Hembe’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), rather than move his client’s fresh application, elected to withdraw it, following which the court struck it out.
The court awarded N1 million cost against Hembe and in favour of Mrs. Mato.
Justice Onnoghen, who headed the panel that sat on the case yesterday, said the court, being the highest court in the land, cannot reverse itself.
He said the court’s decision was final.
The CJN described the National Assembly’s refusal to comply with the June 23 judgment as “a very terrible paragraph in the history of the nation’s democracy”.
The Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, said on Monday a case he filed at the Supreme Court 10 years ago is yet to be assigned a date for hearing due to corruption and inefficiency.
He said lawyers and litigants “pay through their noses” to have cases assigned or court papers served.
The judiciary, he said, was averse to reform and should learn from the Kenyan example where every stakeholder worked towards an efficient justice system.
Obono-Obla, in a statement, said: “Why is the judicial system in Nigeria adverse to change? Look at Kenya and how it has reformed its own system!
“See how effective and efficient the judiciary is in Kenya. See how audacious, bold, courageous and fearless judges in Kenya are.
“See how an election petition was heard within dispatch just three weeks after it was filed. See how lawyers work together with the bench to deliver a landmark judgment.
“In Nigeria lawyers would devise all manners of legal maneuverings steeped in crass legal technicalities to frustrate justice. The judgment would be leaked several weeks before delivery,” he said.
According to him, the appellate courts are chaotic and have refused to adopt technology despite increased funding.
“Before I was given an appointment while in law practice, I have appeals I have filed in the Court of Appeal for the past six years but till now have not been heard. I also have several appeals I filed in the Supreme Court since 2007 till now no date have been given for hearing of these appeals.
“To obtain a court ruling you must pay through your nose; to obtain a certified true copy of judgment you must pay through nose; to cause a court bailiff to serve a court process you must pay through your nose.
“To get a case to be assigned after filing you must pay through your nose. Even in the Supreme Court to get an appeal to be assigned for hearing you must pay through your nose.
“The registries in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court respectively are a study in chaos, disorderliness and confusion. They have refused to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to organize their registry in line with international best practices,” he said.
Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders has celebrated the Supreme Court victory of Senator Ahmed Makarfi with a church thanksgiving service.
At the service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ikole-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikole local Government Area, Fayose said the unwavering stand of Makarfi and his supporters and their belief in God saw them through in the battle with the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff group.
The governor who spoke through his deputy, Kolapo Olusola, likened the battle for the soul of the PDP to the biblical Daniel who found himself in the den of lions but came out without being devoured.
Others present at the service include House of Assembly Speaker, Kola Oluwawole; House of Representatives member for Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency, Kehinde Agboola; Chairman, Ikole Local Government, Adeyanju Adeyeye and House of Assembly member for Ikole Constituency 2, Mrs. Titi Owolabi-Akerele.
Fayose said: “Our story in PDP Ekiti and Nigeria is not different from what happened to Daniel in the Bible. The governor believes so much in prayers. When we stand on the truth, God will be with us.
“What happened to PDP in Nigeria is that truth has prayed. God has shut the lion’s mouth and prevented it from devouring us. Fayose stands by the truth always and that is why he always triumph.”
Ikole council chair Adeyeye said the victory of the party is a signal to the world that the PDP would win the Ekiti gubernatorial poll in 2018.
The state PDP Chairman Gboyega Oguntuase said in appreciation of the “God-given victory,” those who were on the side of Sheriff in Ekiti will not be punished as all party members will be brought under one umbrella.
Oguntuase said: “We know that this victory has not been our doing but because God, in his infinite mercies, wanted us to have the victory.It is very rare to win a case already lost at the High and Appeal court. But God saw us through.
“God showed His supremacy and all the justices of the Supreme Court decided in favour of Makarfi. With that decision of the Supreme Court, the soul of the PDP has been saved. So, we are celebrating a God that has given us victory.
“I want to tell you that the disposition of the PDP is to make sure that we try nobody for any offence. We want a bigger PDP. There is nobody that is beyond redemption, so as far as I am concerned, we would not try anybody.
“There have been contentions in our party and the case was a legal one and it has been settled by the highest court in the land. We who have been given that power to lead the party would not try anybody for any offence. We will now work together as a family.”
Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has accused his successor Nyesom Wike of boasting that he has influence on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, and the judiciary.
He stated that Wike continued to forge more documents against him
Amaechi yesterday in an online statement by his media office said Wike wanted to use the forged documents to persecute and prosecute him in court.
Wike is Amaechi’s former Chief of Staff and the director-general of his re-election campaign organisation in 2011.
The minister said: “In the past couple of days, Wike has been telling anyone who cares to listen, bragging that he will certainly get a conviction, a judgment against Amaechi in the law courts on spurious charges of corruption, using his forged documents because he (Wike) is in control of the judiciary at the state and national levels.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state that Wike has been boasting that he has the judges in the Rivers State judiciary in his pocket, that he is in full control and that the Rivers State judiciary would always give him any judgment he wants against Amaechi.
“Furthermore, Wike is bragging that the CJN is his ‘main man’ that would readily and easily assist him get any judgment he wants against Amaechi at the apex court, using his contorted documents.
“Wike is also telling anyone who cares to listen that the Supreme Court (Justices) and judges generally are not happy with Amaechi and so they would easily convict him with any forged document he presents in court. Power-drunk Wike is using the recent visit of the CJN to Rivers State as his bragging right to prove his ‘extreme’ closeness to the CJN.
“Nigerians would recall that only a few days back, Livingstone Wechie, the young man Wike used to accuse Amaechi of corruption and write false and frivolous petitions to the National Assembly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) etc., confessed in a live television programme and in a statement he also circulated to the media, that all the documents he used to wrongfully portray Amaechi as corrupt when he governed Rivers State, were phonies, forged documents given to him by Wike’s Rivers State Government House.
“Wechie also admitted, like we have always said, that the forged documents were used as the template and basis for the Justice Omereji-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry, a panel Wike set up early in his administration to witch-hunt, malign, vilify and persecute Amaechi.”
The transportation minister also stated that sadly, Wike was presiding over the affairs of Rivers people.
He accused Wike’s administration of embarking on wholesale forgery and distortion of government documents and would then retail it out to his minions, the media and the judiciary in a bid to defame and destroy Amaechi.
‘His blackmail of judiciary will fail’
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike yesterday described the statement credited to Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as a figment of his imagination.
Wike said the statement issued by Amaechi was part of a campaign of calumny launched by the former governor, following the foundation stone laid by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onoghen for the construction of the Judges Quarters.
“The former governor sponsored advertorials and electronic adverts through proxies to stop the laudable project without success, hence the resort to falsehood and character assassination,” the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor (Electronic Media) Simeon Nwakaudu said yesterday in a reaction.
The statement reads: “We are not surprised by Amaechi’s antics to blackmail the judiciary. Ever since the Supreme Court Victory that validated the election of Governor Wike, Amaechi has never failed to malign the judiciary.
“Governor Wike is a law-abiding citizen, who believes in the rule of law. That is why he has followed due process in tackling the issues of high level corruption against the Minister of Transportation.
“The Rivers State Governor in line with the extant laws of Rivers State set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry that investigated the Sale of Valued Assets of the state by the Amaechi administration. The constitution of that panel was challenged by the former governor at the State High Court and Court of Appeal. Both courts upheld the establishment of that panel. The former governor has since approached the Supreme Court on appeal. Rather than await the verdict of the apex court, in his usual manner, has resorted to political blackmail and falsehood. As usual, this will fail.
“It is imperative to declare that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that investigated the Sale of Valued Assets of the State sat in the public. All the documents about the fraud of that administration were circulated in the public domain with journalists writing about the activities of the commission, publishing tendered documents. Nothing was hidden from the people of the state.
“The Commission of Inquiry into the sale of Valued State Assets and other related matters headed by Justice George Omereji received 442 exhibits, 27 memoranda while 25 witnesses testified before it.
“The commission indicted the former governor and confirmed that N53 billion was diverted by Amaechi and his officials…
“We have very credible documents to prove the mass corrupt acts of the Minister of Transportation against the good people of Rivers State.”
The statement added: “Amaechi is being haunted by his ugly past. He locked up the courts for two years, forgetting that he was a beneficiary of the courage of the judiciary.
“Amaechi should respect the judiciary as a courageous arm of government that works in line with the tenets of the law.
“Without equivocation, Governor Wike stands by his declaration on the Rivers funds found at the notorious Ikoyi residence. Nothing has changed.
“Governor Wike will not be distracted by this reckless and unfortunate blackmail of the judiciary by Amaechi. At the appropriate time, the immediate past Rivers State governor will be brought to justice. He is assured of fair trial.”
The sacked member representing Vandeikya/Konshisha federal constituency of Benue State, Herman Hembe, has described as “an accidental slip” the judgment that removed him from the House of Representatives .
To this end , the former Chairman of the House Committee on FCT has filed a motion on notice asking the Supreme Court to reverse the judgement.
Hembe was sacked on June 23, by the Supreme Court in a judgement delivered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen. Mrs. Dorothy Mato was declared the authentic winner of the March 28, 2015 elections.
The apex court ordered INEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Hembe and issue same to Mato. It also ordered the House of Representatives Speaker to swear-in Mato as Hembe’s replacement.
However, the House of Representatives is yet to swear in Mrs. Mato after the judgement.
Hembe, who filed a motion on notice dated July 18, 2017, in the Supreme Court through his lawyer, Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN) is seeking an order reversing the judgment and remitting the matter to the Federal High Court, Makurdi for trial.
The Supreme Court, he said, should also set aside the consequential orders made against him.
The former lawmaker, while presenting premises for his application, noted that “this Honourable Court (SC) struck out as incompetent, the appellant’s grounds of appeal numbered 1,2,6,9,10 and 11 as well as the appellant’s issues two and three formulated from those grounds. The court also struck out issue two in the first respondent’s brief, which had been formulated from the said incompetent grounds.
“By so doing, this honourable court struck out the grounds of appeal that had questioned the decision of the Court of Appeal not to hear the matter on the merits as well as the two issues that it resolved in favour of the appellant may have given this honourable court the jurisdiction to consider the case on its merits under Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act.”
He further stated: “In spite of the above, this honourable court, in error arising from an accidental slip, proceeded as if the said grounds had not been struck out and determined the matter on the merits and made far reaching consequential orders against the applicant (Hembe) in favour of the appellant/respondent(Mato), when the court had no jurisdiction.
“In error arising from an accidental slip, this honourable court granted claim IV in the appellant/respondent’s originating summons, (which was that the primaries conducted by the 2nd respondent on 7th-10th December, 2014 were null and void) and further held that the appellant/respondent was the winner of the voided primaries, when the court had no jurisdiction to do so.
“Also in error arising from an accidental slip, the court further held that the appellant/respondent was the candidate of the second respondent (All Progressives Congress (APC) at the general election, when the court had no jurisdiction to do so.
“In error arising from an accidental slip, this honourable court ordered the applicant(Hembe) to refund all salaries, allowances, and emoluments the applicant had collected from the House of Representatives, when the court had no jurisdiction to do so.
“This honourable court possess the power ex debitio justitiae to set aside the consequential orders made in this matter and substitute therefore an order that meets the justice of the case, which is that the matter be heard on the merits by the trial court.”
Also in another affidavit in support of the motion on notice, Hembe said he has vacated the National Assembly and paid the N700,000 cost awarded against him but that as regards the salaries he collected as a member, he has no financial wherewithal to repay that.
His words: “I have, however, been unable to refund the salaries I received from the House of Representatives. The salaries were received monthly and were used for the upkeep of my family and the high cost of living made it impossible for me to have any savings.
“I have tried very hard to raise a loan to enable me comply with the above order of this Honourable Court, but have not yet succeeded. I will comply with the order of this Honourable Court as soon as I am able to raise the money.
“I need to add that aside monthly salaries, I received no allowances or other emoluments as a member of the House of Representatives.”
The National Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, South East Zone, Chief Austin Umahi also congratulated Senator Ahmed Makarfi over the Supreme Court judgment that affirmed him as the authentic National Chairman of the party.
In a statement in Abakaliki, Umahi described Makarfi’s victory as remarkable but appealed to all members and supporters of the party in the South East zone to embrace the victory with maturity and in the spirit of true reconciliation.
Umahi also commended the National Working Committee of the party for their doggedness and belief in the country’s judiciary as the last hope of the common man and called on Sheriff and other members of the party to unite with the Makarfi led leadership to regain the country and save it from imminent collapse.
He noted that the victory was a second chance given for the party to consolidate and put its house in order for the task of recovering its lost glory and further urged other zonal leaders and stakeholders of the party to reconcile with any aggrieved members of the party.
He said “today is remarkable in the history of democracy in Nigeria. The Supreme Court judgment affirmed Senator Ahmed Makarfi as the authentic National chairman of PDP. This victory is dedicated to the Almighty God”.
“I passionately appeal to all PDP members and supporters in South East to embrace this victory with maturity and in the spirit of true reconciliation; forgive and forget whatever we individually or collectively did wrong. God has decided to give us as a party a second chance and we cannot afford to jeopardize it as that will attract unpleasant consequences”.
The National Vice Chairman promised to embark on serious membership drives for the party that would be rooted on true reconciliation for the purpose of rebuilding and rebranding the party in the South East.
The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, sacked Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
A five-man panel of the apex court in its judgment delivered on Wednesday, reinstated Ahmed Makarfi, as the authentic National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
It can be recalled that the Ahmed Makarfi Led-National Working Committee, NWC, was earlier sacked by the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal.
According to the court, the appointment of Makarfi-led caretaker committee is in line with the constitution of the party.
“The caretaker committee of the PDP led by Sen. Ahmed Makarfi is hereby affirmed as the authentic national leadership of the party.
“The judgment of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division delivered on Feb.27 is hereby set aside,’’ Justice Rhodes-Vivou held.
The panel awarded N250, 000 cost against Sheriff.
Governor Nyesome Wike of Rivers, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti and former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau attended the session.
Many party faithful and chieftains including Markafi, Sen. Ben Obi, Chief Bode George, Chief Dayo Adeyeye, Prof. Jerry Gana, among others were also present in court.
The judgment of the apex court unanimously agreed to the lead judgment by Justice Rhodes-Vivour.
Other members of the panel are, Justices Onnoghen, Tanko Muhammad, Kayode Ariwoola and Dattijo Muhammad.
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday again did not swear in the member-elect for Konshisha/Vandeikya Federal Constituency of Benue state, Hon. Dorothy Mato.
Mato is to replace erstwhile chairman of the House Commitee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Herma Hembe.
The Supreme Court had on June 25 sacked Hembe and Sen Sani Abubakar Danladi and ordered that Hon. Mato and Alhaji Shuaibu Isa Lau be sworn in immediately.
The court also ordered the sacked legislators to refund all monies collected as salaries and allowances in the last two years.
While Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau had since been sworn in by senate president, Hon. Mato’s swearing is still hanging in the House.
Last Thursday, the House Spokesman, Rep. Abdulrazaq Namdas explained that the member-elect could not be sworn in because she needed to complete certain documentation.
But a constituent of the lawmaker confirmed that Mato had done all the necessary documentation.
“Mato, was kept in the office of the clerk to the house for hours waiting to be ushered into the chamber for swearing in, but to no avail.’’
Her constituents and supporters, who came to the gallery to witness her inauguration, left disappointed.
At plenary, Speaker Yakubu Dogara was absent in the chambers and the house was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Lasun Yussuff.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the member-elect was seen loitering around.
THE festering leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ended yesterday with the Supreme Court verdict which affirmed Ahmed Makarfi as the party’s National Caretaker Committee Chairman.
According to members of the party, the apex court ruling has put paid to rivalry between Makarfi and Ali Modu Sheriff, who the High Court and the Appeal Court recognised as the Interim Chairman.
They said the verdict cleared the way for the PDP to play its role as a major opposition in the country.
Umahi urges reconciliation
The party’s National Vice Chairman in the Southeast Zone, Austin Umahi congratulated Senator Ahmed Makarfi over his affirmation as the authentic National Chairman of the party by the apex court.
In a statement in Abakaliki, Umahi described Makarfi’s victory as remarkable and appealed to members and supporters of the party in the zone to embrace the victory with maturity in the spirit of true reconciliation.
Umahi also commended the National Working Committee of the party for their doggedness and belief in the country’s judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
He called on Ali Modu Sheriff and other members of the party to unite with the Makarfi-led leadership to reclaim the country and save it from imminent collapse.
According to him, the victory was a second chance for the party to consolidate and put its house in order for the task of recovering its lost glory, even as he urged other zonal leaders and stakeholders in the party to reconcile with aggrieved members.
He said: “Today is remarkable in the history of democracy in Nigeria. The Supreme Court judgment affirmed Senator Ahmed Makarfi as the authentic National chairman of PDP. This victory is dedicated to the Almighty God.
“I passionately appeal to all PDP members and supporters in Southeast to embrace this victory with maturity and in the spirit of true reconciliation; forgive and forget whatever we individually or collectively did wrong. God has decided to give us as a party a second chance and we cannot afford to jeopardize it as that will attract unpleasant consequences.”
‘Victory no threat to Ogun PDP excos’
The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday said it has accepted the Supreme Court verdict but swiftly added that the Supreme Court verdict “has no congruence with the state of the party in Ogun.”
In statement by its local chairman Bayo Dayo, the party stated the executive of the PDP in Ogun State “remained constitutionally valid and judicially sacrosanct.”
Dayo recalled that the last National Working Committee /National Executive Committee meetings before the first aborted national convention, approved the congresses in 31(Ogun state inclusive) out of the 36 states with the exception of 5 states that had their congresses queried.
He, therefore, urged people, groups and impostors with pretentious claims to leadership in Ogun state PDP in the illusory hope that a Makarfi victory would confer legitimacy on them, not to take actions that could be contemptuous and illegal.
According to him, after the Congresses, there were two subsisting judgements of the Federal High Courts that validated the Congresses and which has remain unappealed till date.
“It is very important we state that the Supreme Court judgement this morning, has no congruence with the state of the party in Ogun state as the State Executive under my watch, remain constitutionally valid and judicially sacrosanct.
“Ogun PDP is also using this medium to warn any person, groups and impostors with pretentious and unsubstantiated claims to leadership in Ogun state and who had the illusionary hope that a Makarfi victory will confer legitimacy on them, not to take actions that will be contemptuous and illegal. Such hope is vague and a wild goose chase which cannot stand.
“We shall continue to use all lawful means to assert the authority of our executive and resist antidemocratic elements that covets party control through the back door.
“I urge every patriotic member of the PDP in Ogun state to remain committed to the ongoing efforts at repositioning the party. We encourage everyone to support the caretaker committee to get about it’s primary business of convening an acceptable national convention that will usher in a new national leadership devoid of bickering and acrimony,” Dayo stayed.
Obi: ruling’ll heal wounds
•PDP supporters celebrating the ruling at the Supreme Court…yesterday.
In his own reaction, the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who expressed great joy over the judgement, said the Almighty God had used the Supreme Court to heal the wounds of the PDP family.
He noted that the judgment would usher an effective and capable opposition that would contribute meaningfully to governance and bring Nigeria out of the present recession, as well as contain various agitations in country.
He further appealed to all party members to remain united as one family.
Okowa: verdict good for democracy
Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on its victory at Supreme Court.
Reacting to the judgment in Asaba yesterday shortly after the delivery of the judgement , Governor Okowa in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu lauded the Supreme Court for the sound ruling which has put to an end the protracted leadership crisis that has bedeviled the party, described as the biggest political party in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Governor said, “I on behalf of the good people of Delta State, home of the PDP, congratulate the Senator Markafi-led PDP for the victory recorded today at the Supreme Court. It has been a tortuous journey for the party but, I am glad that the Supreme Court has put the crisis to an end. I congratulate members of our great party particularly the National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and members of the National Caretaker Committee for this well- deserved victory. It is a victory for the Board of Trustees, Governors Forum of the party, National Assembly Caucus, State Chairmen’s forum and other stakeholders.”
“This judgement is victory for Democracy because, the Judiciary had always proven their independence and wisdom, it is a reawakening for our great party to provide the much needed leadership for our country, Nigeria. It was a case of PDP vs PDP, so, we should remain united and committed to the slogan of the PDP – power to the people.”
“As the biggest political party in Africa despite losing the Presidential elections in 2015, it is time for us to rebuild our house, remain united, accommodate those who are leaving other political parties to the party that is truly democratic and believes in the rule of law, a political party that has the interest of the common man on the street at heart and continue to ensure that the best is achieved for the country.”
“I commend the Judiciary for its commitment to setting precedence that will sustain Nigeria’s democracy; I commend all Nigerians for their prayers while the internal rumbling lasted and I give glory to God for ensuring that democratic tenets are consolidated in the country.”
Governor Okowa urged members of the party to be accommodating to any Nigerian who wishes to join the party, noting, “The umbrella is large enough to accommodate any Nigerian, it is a party Nigerians are happy to identify with.”
Mixed feelings in Anambra
Following the judgment of the Supreme Court yesterday on the crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra state stakeholders have commended the judgment, describing it as win win for all the members.
But the camp of the political godfather in the state, Chief Chris Uba is sort of quiet as a result of the development with nocturnal meetings going on in all the nooks and crannies.
However, one of the governorship aspirants of PDP in the state, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, who was former secretary to the state government under former governor Peter Obi, told The Nation yesterday that the judgment had ended the crisis in the party.
Also, one of the founding fathers of the party, Chief Joe Ifediobi, told The Nation yesterday that the judgment had put jitters into other political parties in the country.
He said the governors that purportedly brought senator Modu Sheriff to PDP at the initial stage after he had abandoned the party, wanted to cause confusion in the largest party in Africa.
Ifediobi said it was a healthy judgment, adding that convention of a political party was the supreme law of any party, stressing that it would have been difficult for the court not to follow the procedure.
According to Obaze, “today’s Judgment is a win-win for all PDP members. We salute their courage in exhaustively addressing this matter using the judicial process. The outcome and decision strengthens our democracy.”
“The Supreme Court affirmation of His Excellency Ahmed Makarfi as the indisputable and authentic chairman of PDP, has put a divinities end to the internal squabbles that had adversely affected our dear and great party”
“We congratulate our Chairman and his Executives, this moment and outcome does not call for triumphalism, but for regrouping the PDP family; our umbrella is large enough to accommodate us all.”
“We must come together to serve our people and return Nigeria to its place as an inclusive nation” Obaze said.
Ruling good for democracy, says CNPP
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) hailed the judgment and said the judgment has brought to an end the leadership crisis that almost brought a major opposition party to its knees.
In a statement by its Secretary-General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the umbrella body for all registered political parties and political associations congratulated the party for adhering to the principle of rule of law in resolving the crisis.
“We congratulate the PDP for the conclusion of its legal battle occasioned by the polarization of the party. As an opposition political party and member of our association, the verdict of by the Supreme Court has again strengthened democracy in the country.
“The victory for the PDP is a victory for democracy and all members of the CNPP, which is the umbrella association of all political parties and groups in the Nigeria.
“For us, the Supreme Court has established itself as the true last hope of the ordinary Nigerians and the highly placed in the society.”
Rivers PDP chairman urges unity
Chairman of the local chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State Felix Obuah welcomed the ruling as heartwarming and a step in the right direction.
Obuah called on members of the PDP to work for the unity, peace and corporate existence of the party, using the judgment of the Supreme Court as an instrument of strength.
He noted that the judgment has ushered the party into a new dawn, say HE festering leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ended yesterday with the Supreme Court verdict which affirmed Ahmed Makarfi as the party’s National Caretaker Committee Chairman.
According to members of the party, the apex court ruling has put paid to rivalry between Makarfi and Ali Modu Sheriff, who the High Court and the Appeal Court recognised as the Interim Chairman.
They said the verdict cleared the way for the PDP to play its role as a major opposition in the country.
Umahi urges reconciliation
The party’s National Vice Chairman in the Southeast Zone, Austin Umahi congratulated Senator Ahmed Makarfi over his affirmation as the authentic National Chairman of the party by the apex court.
In a statement in Abakaliki, Umahi described Makarfi’s victory as remarkable and appealed to members and supporters of the party in the zone to embrace the victory with maturity in the spirit of true reconciliation.
Umahi also commended the National Working Committee of the party for their doggedness and belief in the country’s judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
He called on Ali Modu Sheriff and other members of the party to unite with the Makarfi-led leadership to reclaim the country and save it from imminent collapse.
According to him, the victory was a second chance for the party to consolidate and put its house in order for the task of recovering its lost glory, even as he urged other zonal leaders and stakeholders in the party to reconcile with aggrieved members.
He said: “Today is remarkable in the history of democracy in Nigeria. The Supreme Court judgment affirmed Senator Ahmed Makarfi as the authentic National chairman of PDP. This victory is dedicated to the Almighty God.
“I passionately appeal to all PDP members and supporters in Southeast to embrace this victory with maturity and in the spirit of true reconciliation; forgive and forget whatever we individually or collectively did wrong. God has decided to give us as a party a second chance and we cannot afford to jeopardize it as that will attract unpleasant consequences.”
‘Victory no threat to Ogun PDP excos’
The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday said it has accepted the Supreme Court verdict but swiftly added that the Supreme Court verdict “has no congruence with the state of the party in Ogun.”
In statement by its local chairman Bayo Dayo, the party stated the executive of the PDP in Ogun State “remained constitutionally valid and judicially sacrosanct.”
Dayo recalled that the last National Working Committee /National Executive Committee meetings before the first aborted national convention, approved the congresses in 31(Ogun state inclusive) out of the 36 states with the exception of 5 states that had their congresses queried.
He, therefore, urged people, groups and impostors with pretentious claims to leadership in Ogun state PDP in the illusory hope that a Makarfi victory would confer legitimacy on them, not to take actions that could be contemptuous and illegal.
According to him, after the Congresses, there were two subsisting judgements of the Federal High Courts that validated the Congresses and which has remain unappealed till date.
“It is very important we state that the Supreme Court judgement this morning, has no congruence with the state of the party in Ogun state as the State Executive under my watch, remain constitutionally valid and judicially sacrosanct.
“Ogun PDP is also using this medium to warn any person, groups and impostors with pretentious and unsubstantiated claims to leadership in Ogun state and who had the illusionary hope that a Makarfi victory will confer legitimacy on them, not to take actions that will be contemptuous and illegal. Such hope is vague and a wild goose chase which cannot stand.
“We shall continue to use all lawful means to assert the authority of our executive and resist antidemocratic elements that covets party control through the back door.
“I urge every patriotic member of the PDP in Ogun state to remain committed to the ongoing efforts at repositioning the party. We encourage everyone to support the caretaker committee to get about it’s primary business of convening an acceptable national convention that will usher in a new national leadership devoid of bickering and acrimony,” Dayo stayed.
Obi: ruling’ll heal wounds
In his own reaction, the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who expressed great joy over the judgement, said the Almighty God had used the Supreme Court to heal the wounds of the PDP family.
He noted that the judgment would usher an effective and capable opposition that would contribute meaningfully to governance and bring Nigeria out of the present recession, as well as contain various agitations in country.
He further appealed to all party members to remain united as one family.
Okowa: verdict good for democracy
Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on its victory at Supreme Court.
Reacting to the judgment in Asaba yesterday shortly after the delivery of the judgement , Governor Okowa in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu lauded the Supreme Court for the sound ruling which has put to an end the protracted leadership crisis that has bedeviled the party, described as the biggest political party in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Governor said, “I on behalf of the good people of Delta State, home of the PDP, congratulate the Senator Markafi-led PDP for the victory recorded today at the Supreme Court. It has been a tortuous journey for the party but, I am glad that the Supreme Court has put the crisis to an end. I congratulate members of our great party particularly the National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and members of the National Caretaker Committee for this well- deserved victory. It is a victory for the Board of Trustees, Governors Forum of the party, National Assembly Caucus, State Chairmen’s forum and other stakeholders.”
“This judgement is victory for Democracy because, the Judiciary had always proven their independence and wisdom, it is a reawakening for our great party to provide the much needed leadership for our country, Nigeria. It was a case of PDP vs PDP, so, we should remain united and committed to the slogan of the PDP – power to the people.”
“As the biggest political party in Africa despite losing the Presidential elections in 2015, it is time for us to rebuild our house, remain united, accommodate those who are leaving other political parties to the party that is truly democratic and believes in the rule of law, a political party that has the interest of the common man on the street at heart and continue to ensure that the best is achieved for the country.”
“I commend the Judiciary for its commitment to setting precedence that will sustain Nigeria’s democracy; I commend all Nigerians for their prayers while the internal rumbling lasted and I give glory to God for ensuring that democratic tenets are consolidated in the country.”
Governor Okowa urged members of the party to be accommodating to any Nigerian who wishes to join the party, noting, “The umbrella is large enough to accommodate any Nigerian, it is a party Nigerians are happy to identify with.”
Mixed feelings in Anambra
Following the judgment of the Supreme Court yesterday on the crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra state stakeholders have commended the judgment, describing it as win win for all the members.
But the camp of the political godfather in the state, Chief Chris Uba is sort of quiet as a result of the development with nocturnal meetings going on in all the nooks and crannies.
However, one of the governorship aspirants of PDP in the state, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, who was former secretary to the state government under former governor Peter Obi, told The Nation yesterday that the judgment had ended the crisis in the party.
Also, one of the founding fathers of the party, Chief Joe Ifediobi, told The Nation yesterday that the judgment had put jitters into other political parties in the country.
He said the governors that purportedly brought senator Modu Sheriff to PDP at the initial stage after he had abandoned the party, wanted to cause confusion in the largest party in Africa.
Ifediobi said it was a healthy judgment, adding that convention of a political party was the supreme law of any party, stressing that it would have been difficult for the court not to follow the procedure.
According to Obaze, “today’s Judgment is a win-win for all PDP members. We salute their courage in exhaustively addressing this matter using the judicial process. The outcome and decision strengthens our democracy.”
“The Supreme Court affirmation of His Excellency Ahmed Makarfi as the indisputable and authentic chairman of PDP, has put a divinities end to the internal squabbles that had adversely affected our dear and great party”
“We congratulate our Chairman and his Executives, this moment and outcome does not call for triumphalism, but for regrouping the PDP family; our umbrella is large enough to accommodate us all.”
“We must come together to serve our people and return Nigeria to its place as an inclusive nation” Obaze said.
Ruling good for democracy, says CNPP
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) hailed the judgment and said the judgment has brought to an end the leadership crisis that almost brought a major opposition party to its knees.
In a statement by its Secretary-General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the umbrella body for all registered political parties and political associations congratulated the party for adhering to the principle of rule of law in resolving the crisis.
“We congratulate the PDP for the conclusion of its legal battle occasioned by the polarization of the party. As an opposition political party and member of our association, the verdict of by the Supreme Court has again strengthened democracy in the country.
“The victory for the PDP is a victory for democracy and all members of the CNPP, which is the umbrella association of all political parties and groups in the Nigeria.
“For us, the Supreme Court has established itself as the true last hope of the ordinary Nigerians and the highly placed in the society.”
Rivers PDP chairman urges unity
Chairman of the local chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State Felix Obuah welcomed the ruling as heartwarming and a step in the right direction.
Obuah called on members of the PDP to work for the unity, peace and corporate existence of the party, using the judgment of the Supreme Court as an instrument of strength.
He noted that the judgment has ushered the party into a new dawn, saying that the PDP would benefit more as a united party.
Obuah, who cautioned against utterances that could threaten peace and unity of the party, said: “We should be able to live together in peace and harmony; and must all be advocates of genuine peace.”
Kashamu calls for reconciliation
The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District Buruji Kashamu said “the decision of the apex court is final and there is nothing anyone can do about it”.
In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, Kashamu said: “As a firm believer in the rule of law, I am bound to respect the decision of the final court in the land, no matter the reservations.
“I thank the almighty God for bringing us this far. There will always be disagreements and disputes in any human setting. At times, such disputes may end up in court. It does not mean the end of the world. You win some and lose some. And in this case, there is no victor, no vanquished. It is our party – the PDP – that has won.
“Therefore, I wish to urge all our followers and supporters to remain calm and continue with our heavy mobilisation into the PDP. This is no time for fault-finding or crying over spilt milk. I strongly believe that this is the time for unity, frank consultations and genuine reconciliation.”
PDP Senate caucus: it’s a new dawn
The Senate Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday asked the sacked party’s National Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff, to open his mind for reconciliation following yesterday ruling.
The caucus said that the PDP should be prepared to reconcile its members no matter the role they played while the leadership tussle lasted.
Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio, who spoke for the caucus at news conference addressed after the Supreme Court verdict, said that the door was open for all PDP members “who went on exile while the leadership tussle lasted to come back.”
He also assured that nobody would be punished for the roles they played in the leadership crisis.
Akpabio said: “The PDP caucus we moved out of the chamber briefly not in protest but in happiness with Nigerians. A monumental event happened today in Nigeria. The monumental event is that the seemingly intractable leadership dispute in the PDP has been settled.
“We received the news of the Supreme Court verdict with delight. It is victory for Nigeria, victory for all lovers of democracy.
“We are calling on our brothers who went on exile to come back. Nobody will be penalized. We are prepared to welcome everybody. Therefore we are calling on those who went on exile to come back.”
Former Senate President David Mark, who was also at the conference, said that what happened was not victory for PDP but victory for democracy and rule of law.
Mark said: “We shouldn’t have gone this far. I hope we have learnt some lessons that we will never again allow family quarrel to go this far. With this victory, the wind of change to change the change is on truly course.”
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said that it was a no victor and no vanquished situation for individual party members, but rather a collective victory for the entire party faithful and the nation’s democracy.
He said: “I am happy that the Supreme Court has brought this protracted leadership tussle to an end today. There is no victor and there is no vanquished, but a collective victory for our party and the nation’s democracy. No democracy can prosper in the absence of a virile opposition or under the extreme hardship Nigerians have faced over the past two years. Citizens deserve a viable alternative.
“The ruling party has indeed profited from the prolonged power contest, not just in terms of defections, but also in the unchallenged degeneration of democratic values, rule of law, electoral practice, and the economy because the PDP has been too distracted to keep them on their toes.
“But, it is heartwarming that calm is returning after the storm. I salute millions of our party faithful and Nigerians who stood firm to weather the storm for their courage and loyalty, and sincerely appeal to those who left for one reason or the other to return to our big political family.”
It’s a new beginning, says Ihedioha
Also, a former House of House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha said the ruling marked a new beginning for the PDP. Ihedioha said: “This is a victory for and triump of democracy. It is a celebration of the enthronement of light over darkness.”
‘APC not threatened by who becomes PDP chair’
The All Progressives Congress (APC) said it will not lose sleep over who becomes the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the ruling party cannot in any way be threatened by the apex court ruling on the leadership rift in the opposition party.
Abdullahi, who said there ought not to be reaction from the APC because it was not a party to the legal suit, said that it could not be bothered by the court judgment.
He said: “Whichever way you want to look at it, the ruling has no direct consequence on APC whichever faction the pendulum swings to.’’
Abdullahi added that it would be wrong for anyone to insinuate that the unity of the PDP was a threat to the APC, especially as it had nothing to do with the case.
Also, reacting to the judgment, the newly appointed Northeast National Vice Chairman of the party Mustapha Salihu said the party was not threatened by who became PDP chairman.
He said the PDP failed when it was in power and had the opportunity in government, stressing that the APC was looking at institution not individuals.
“Makarfi or Ali-Modu Sheriff is no threat to us; we are looking at the institution and not the person’’, Salihu said, describing the PDP as a party that institutionalised corruption and failed to handle the security of the nation.
THE Supreme Court will today resolve the lingering leadership dispute plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Information to this effect was contained in hearing notices sent to parties on Monday by the court’s registry.
The Supreme Court on May 25 reserved judgment on appeal challenging the affirmation of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the party’s National Chairman.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who presided, reserved the judgment after counsel to the parties adopted their written addresses.
