Writing By Aliyu Muraki; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
A High Court in Doma Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, has extended its order preventing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its congresses in the state.
Radio Nigeria reports that the court initially issued the order on September 27 of this year, following a motion filed by 16 party members, led by Senator Mohammed Ogoshi-Onawo, representing Nasarawa South.
The plaintiffs filed a case against the PDP as the first respondent, the PDP Chairman, Mr. Francis Orogu, as the second respondent, and the State Working Committee of the party as the third respondent.
Justice Abdullahi Shams-Shammah extended the order in his ruling after hearing arguments from the counsels representing both the plaintiffs and the respondents.
He extended the order and adjourned the case to Tuesday, October 8, for the continuation of the hearing.
Earlier, plaintiffs’ counsel, Ishaka Mudi-Diko, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), urged the court to extend the restraining order.
The plaintiffs’ counsel also informed the court that the respondents had violated the restraining order by proceeding with ward congresses in the state.
He argued that the court should notify the ward congresses that was conducted by the respondents for violating its order.
On his part, Barrister Jacob Nzamanah, counsel to the first respondent acknowledged that four notices regarding the ex-parte order were affixed to the walls of the office of his client.
The counsel however, argued that his client had not been served with the originating processes hence the court lacks jurisdiction to continue with the matter.
On the other hand, Daniel Obande, counsel to the second and third respondents, said his inability to file a memorandum for appearance was due to lack of service of court documents to his clients.
He requested that the court should adjourn the case to allow them have adequate time to respond.
COV/Aliyu Muraki/Lafia
