The High Court of Enugu Division has issued a final warning to the sacked National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, prohibiting him from parading himself as the party’s National Secretary. Failure to comply with the court’s directive may result in imprisonment.

In a judgment delivered by Justice C.O. Ajah, the court stated unequivocally that Anyanwu would be held in contempt of court if he continued to claim the title of PDP National Secretary.

The judgment read: “Unless you (Anyanwu) obey the directions contained in this order, you will be guilty of Contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

This legal action followed a suit filed by Emmanuel Aniagu against Anyanwu, the PDP, PDP Acting National Chairman Iliya Umar Damagun, and PDP National Vice Chairman Southeast, Ali Odefa.

The court noted that Anyanwu was elected PDP National Secretary in 2021 and had substantial responsibilities outlined in the party’s constitution.

However, the judgment also highlighted a conflict of interest arising from Anyanwu’s dual roles. The court revealed that Anyanwu was elected as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for Imo State in April 2023 while still serving as National Secretary.

This situation, the court noted, positioned him as a “judge in his own cause” concerning decisions on gubernatorial primaries and candidates, a clear violation of party and legal principles.

Court’s Final Warning The court emphasized that Anyanwu’s role as National Secretary involved critical duties, including: Drawing up lists for gubernatorial screening committees and appeal panels.

Appointing members for gubernatorial electoral committees across the 36 states of Nigeria. Playing a decisive role in determining the eligibility of gubernatorial aspirants.

Justice Ajah noted that occupying the dual roles of National Secretary and gubernatorial candidate undermined the principles of fairness and transparency in party operations.

Political Fallout Reacting to the court’s judgment, Ikenga Opposition Lawmakers Coalition Spokesman, described the situation as dire for Anyanwu. “The distance between Anyanwu and a prison cell is now half a kilometer if he continues to parade himself as National Secretary,” he said.

This latest development is a significant blow to Anyanwu, who faces mounting legal and political pressure. His next moves will determine whether he complies with the court’s order or risks further punitive measures, including imprisonment.

Justice Adedapo Adeniji of Osun State High Court, Ile-Ife on Thursday adjourned for hearing of pending applications or an update on out-of-court settlement in the lawsuit filed by the APC and its 19 disqualified candidates seeking to stop Osun State Independent Electoral Commission from going ahead with the local government elections scheduled to hold on February 22.

The suit has the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the State Attorney General as defendants.

The plaintiffs are seeking to halt the elections having alleged irregularities and exclusion from the upcoming polls.

The claimants are through their counsel, Mr Muhydeen Adeoye seeking the invalidation of the amended election notice published by OSSIEC on July 18, 2024, and the inclusion of the disqualified candidates if the local government elections will be held as planned.

[email protected] learned that during Thursday’s court session that was presided over by Justice Adedapo Adeniji, counsel for the All Peoples Party, Monruf Adediran, sought to join the suit while counsel for the State Attorney General, Mr Deji Atoyebi, however requested more time to respond to the application.

OSSIEC’s counsel, Mr Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), however proposed an out-of-court settlement but this was not without a quid pro quo.

Adeoye acknowledged the time-sensitive nature of the matter and promised to consult his clients on the proposed out-of- court settlement, showing readiness to present their decision at the next court date.

Justice Adeniji later adjourned the case until January 17, 2025, for the hearing of the pending applications or an update on out-of-court settlement .

In what could be described as massive waste of scarce resources, the Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has appointed 130 special assistants.

Ihunwo, who announced the appointments in a post on X on Wednesday, saying the appointment takes immediate effect.

Some of the appointees are Helen Nyekwere, Josephine Wogu, Daisy Worgu, Wagwu Hilda, Ogbonna Stella, Goodness Ogbonna, and Grace Amadi.

He said the new appointees “must serve diligently”.

“I have appointed the following persons as my Special Assistants,” he said. “I congratulate them, and call on them to serve diligently, in the interest of Obio/Akpor local government. Their appointments takes immediate effect.”

This is the second time he would appoint over 100 aides.

I expressed my gratitude to the esteemed leadership of ward six in Obio/Akpor local government for their unwavering support. Their solidarity visit to me at the Council Secretariat was a testament to their commitment to standing by me. It was a moment of deep appreciation as I… pic.twitter.com/H6Heu4VaSE

— Chijioke Ihunwo (@AmbChijioke) January 4, 2025

In July 2024, when he was caretaker committee chairman of the LGA, Ihunwo appointed 100 special assistants.

Ihunwo, an ally of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, yanked the name of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, off the administrative block of the council secretariat.

Wike and Fubara are political foes who have been locked in a supremacy battle in the state.