PDP: Court Stops Suspension of Andy Uba, Others

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja today halted the suspension of Senator Andy Uba and four others by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The court said PDP lacked the powers to suspend the quintet when a matter they brought before the court was still pending.

The presiding judge, Justice A.R Mohammed who made the order, fixed September 5 for hearing of the motion on notice.

“I thereby make an interim order suspending the suspension of the plaintiffs from the party pending the determination of the motion on notice” said the trial judge.

He scolded PDP for suspending Andy and the four other PDP chieftains, saying such an action was capable of  rendering the order of the court a mere academic exercise.

PDP National Working Committee (NWC) had Thursday suspended Andy, his younger brother and member of the party’s Board of Trustees, Chief Chris Uba,  Benji Udeozor, Ejike Oguebebo, and Mrs Anthonia Nwakwu, for holding a governorship primary which Andy won.

Justice Mohammed handed the order after considering a motion exparte by the five PDP chieftains seeking to quash their suspension.

The court had summoned PDP to show cause why the plaintiffs’ reliefs should not be granted.

At today’s resumed hearing, counsel to PDP,  Chief Clems Ezika told the court that he was served the originating summons this morning. Ezika reminded that under rules of the court, he had three days to respond.

The PDP counsel thereafter sought  adjournment to enable him respond to the processes.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Taiwo Abe, while opposing the application by PDP’s counsel, argued that the party had in contempt of court, suspended the plaintiffs.

Justice Mohammed blamed the adjournment on the failure of Abe to serve PDP in good time.