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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
Proceedings were stalled at the Supreme Court on Monday, in the suit by the former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, challenging his removal from office before the expiration of his four years tenure.
The suit slated for hearing today, December 6 by the apex court was shifted by twenty-four hours following the non-appearance in the court of one of the key defendants, Chief Dan Oji Orbhi.
When the matter came up, it was discovered that Orbhi who is the 8th defendant in the appeal was not personally present in court and was not represented by a counsel.
Rather, his earlier counsel, Chief Godwin Obla SAN wrote the court informing it that Orbhi has not briefed him to properly stand as his counsel at the Supreme Court.
However, counsel to Uche Secondus, Chief Oba Maduabuchi SAN protested the development claiming that Orbhi was not sued by his client but that the defendant imposed himself on the excuse of being Zonal Chairman of PDP.
He sought to move a motion for substituted service to enable him to serve the defendant with all court processes through the PDP Zonal office.
Justice Mohammed Musa Dattijo who led a 5-man panel Justice of the court fixed tomorrow December 7 for a hearing of all pending applicants in respect of the matter.
Apart from Dan Orbhi, other defendants in the appeal are Ibeawuchi Ernest Alex, Dennis Nna Amadi, Emmanuel Stephen, Umezurike Onuoha, Godwin Pepple Manfred, PDP, Senator Suleiman Nazif, Hon Solomon Ejike Ogbonna, Hon Uche Emmanuel Minukwa and Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyawu.
It will be recalled that the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt had on October 26 dismissed an application challenging the suspension of Secondus from the PDP.
A panel of three justices led by Justice Haruna Tsammani struck out the suit during its sitting in the Rivers State capital.
This prompted Secondus to approach the Supreme Court praying for an order to quash his dispensation and as well restore him to the office to complete his four years tenure.
