Trace Reporters –The Judge of the Federal High court Abuja, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu ruled today, Wednesday 23rd July 2020 that she will hold any of the parties which takes further steps that will be inimical to the interests of any of the parties already before her Court in the case of SDP, Chief Supo Shonibare & Ors v Prof Tunde Adeniran & Ors in contempt.
The ruling was made after the counsel to SDP and Chief Supo Shonibare led National Executive committee, Tani Molajo,SAN, raised issues about physical takeover of State echelon, appointment of new Officers in some states and particularly mentioned the recent fracas in Ondo State, by unelected members of a purported “State Caretaker Committee” constituted by Prof Adeniran’s faction.
The Judge asked the Counsel of the elected SDP National Executive Committee to make available, any evidence, especially Police report to confirm that anyone authorized a change in the status quo or suggesting that any State chapter’s status had been altered; or that anyone is conniving to forcefully take over from elected party officials and occupy the party secretariat for which the state Chairman, Barr Dele Thomas had petitioned the Ondo state Commissioner of police to the effect.
All Parties were ordered to maintain the status quo of those holding various offices in structures of the Party, as was in place as at the date the Defendants, (Adeniran/ Gabam & other unelected Officers) were served with the Summons. This being December 2019/January 2020.
Justice Ojukwu therefore advised the Counsel to the defendants to advise their Clients accordingly.
In view of the ruling therefore, any act to change the composition or dissolve any State Excos that were in place as at the time the Defendants were served the Originating Summons will be held to have acted in contempt of the Court and the Court will take appropriate action.
The Matter was adjourned to 9th of September, which date falls into the vacation period, although the Judge is willing to sit, subject to the approval of the CJ Federal High Court.
Further from the ruling, any change of leadership or appointment made by the defendants from December 2019 remain null and of no effect.
Therefore, most importantly, the Governorship primary purportedly held by the caretaker committee set up by Prof Adeniran in Ondo state is illegal and of no effect.
Meanwhile, the state executive committee under the supervision of the ondo state governorship election committee is currently holding it’s primaries in the state.
Alfa Mohammed
National publicity secretary
NPS.
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