By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Following plans by the Wike-led group in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to re-open the headquarters of the party, Wadata Plaza in Abuja on Monday, the Turaki-led group has reminded security agencies that granting them access to the secretariat amounts to contempt of court.
Recall that the Acting National Secretary of the party, Sen. Samuel Anywanu had on Thursday hinted that the leadership of the party under, Abdulrahman Mohammed, will re-open the party secretariat on Monday.
The secretariat was shut down by the Nigerian Police in November following a clash over control of the secretariat by the Nyesom Wike group led by Hon. Abdurahman Mohammed with those loyal to the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
But reacting to the plans to reopen the Secretariat, the Tanimu Turaki led group described the Anyawnu group as imposters that have been expelled from the party.
They further argued that the issue of re-opening of the secretariat is a matter already before a competent jurisdiction adding that it amounts to contempt of court if security agencies allow them access to the headquarters while there is a subsisting matter in the court to that effect.
The group said that they have written to the Inspector General of Police, reminding him of the implication of allowing the group unfettered access to the secretariat.
In a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the group said,
“We have been notified of the intention of some expelled members of our party to either forcibly or in connivance with security forces gain access to and occupy our National Secretariat and other party property.
“In response to this, we have written to the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command reminding them that the secretariat is still a res before the Federal High Court, Abuja, and the Court of Appeal. To this end, any attempt to enter and occupy these property will be a resort to self-help and an affront to the time-tested principle of law that parties who have submitted to the jurisdiction of courts should not act in ways that will render nugatory, the powers of the Court. In this particular instance, the case pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was instituted by the expelled members, they cannot resort to self-help, until judgment is delivered in the matter.
“This statement serves to remind all the dramatis personae, especially the Police Force, which is a party on record in the said matter, that any action taken to grant access to anybody, pending the determination of the suit, is a contempt of the court. We assure that we will deploy all legal means to defend our property from trespass. Responsibility for any injury to persons or damage to property arising therefrom should be placed solely on the aggressors and their security collaborators”.
