A Federal High court sitting in Abuja has again affirmed Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the authentic National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, as it nullified the appointment of Ahmed Makarfi as National Caretaker Committee of the party. The court held that the PDP Convention that was held in Port-Harcourt on May 20, was in violation of two court orders of the Lagos Division of the Federal High court which barred the PDP, INEC from holding the convention. Our judiciary correspondent Basil Okafor reports that the matter has been adjourned to August 15 for a ruling on other applications.
Justice Okon Abang while delivering a ruling barred Makarfi-led Caretaker committee from exercising any authority or taking any decision on behalf of the Party hence forth on the grounds that it is an illegal body. Justice Abang who ruled on the tussle between two senior advocate of Nigeria Olagoke Fakunle and Ferdinand Orbih who were logged in a fierce legal battle to represent the PDP in the court action said that Makarfi faction which appointed Orbih has no legal authority to do so.
The judge further said that the judgement of the Port – Harcourt division which recognised Makarfi led caretaker committee is unlawful,illegal and has no foundation in law to stand. He held that until the orders made by the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court which restrained PDP from holding the convention is set aside, anything done is unlawful, illegal and should not be recognised. Justice Abang also said that any decision outside the Sheriff led committee is illegal, unlawful and is not binding on the party.
Supporters of Sheriff who were in through out the court proceedings bared their minds on the court pronouncement. Nigerians no doubt may not have seen the last of legal tussle over who is the authentic national chairman of the people democratic party.
