In a recent development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unequivocally stated that it is not involved in an ongoing appeal case in Rivers State. The party clarified that it neither filed nor authorized any external solicitor to file an appeal on its behalf in the matter.
The statement, issued by the party’s spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, refutes claims that PDP is listed as an appellant in an appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division. The appeal allegedly challenges an order from the Rivers State High Court restraining the Chief Judge of Rivers State and the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly from acting on certain resolutions.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the statement reads, “the PDP National Legal Adviser, Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, has confirmed that the Party did not initiate the said Appeal nor did it authorize any external solicitor to do so on its behalf. Therefore, PDP cannot be recognized as an Appellant in this Appeal.”
The party emphasized that according to its constitution, only the National Legal Adviser is empowered to handle litigation, prosecution, and defense matters on behalf of the party, its organs, chapters, and officials. Any engagement of external solicitors must be expressly authorized in writing by the National Legal Adviser.
Previously, the PDP had issued a public notice on January 17, 2023, asserting that no other entity or office apart from the National Legal Adviser has the authority to file or handle legal cases on behalf of the party.
Consequently, the PDP has formally distanced itself from the purported Appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, pertaining to Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024. The party’s stance underscores its commitment to procedural integrity and adherence to its constitutional provisions regarding legal matters.
