PDP Crisis: Turaki warns against forceful takeover of Secretariat

Following recent development within the Judiciary, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faction led by Turaki says warned that its National Secretariat must not be forcefully accessed or occupied by any individual or group until the courts reach a determination.

The PDP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, revealed that intelligence has it that some expelled members are plotting to, either by force or in conivance with security forces, to gain access to the party’s National Secretariat and other properties.

The party made it clear that it had formally written to the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, reminding them that the secretariat still remains a subject to litigations , adding that there are matters before the Federal High Court, Abuja, and the Court of Appeal.

The Umbrella Party pointed out that any attempt to occupy the property while the matter is pending would constitute self-help and a direct challenge to judicial authority.

The PDP further noted that the case before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court was instituted by the expelled members themselves, insisting that they must await the judgment.

“Having instituted the suit, they cannot resort to self-help until judgment is delivered in the matter.

“Any action taken to grant access to anybody before the conclusion of the case amounts to contempt of court,” the party argued.

While reaffirming its commitment to protecting its property, the PDP vowed that it would explore all lawful options to defend the secretariat and warned that any injury or damage resulting from forced entry would be the responsibility of those attempting it.

“We will deploy all legal means to defend our property from trespass, and responsibility for any injury to persons or damage to property should be placed solely on the aggressors and their security collaborators,” the party warned.

This warning follows the reports that a faction of the party loyal to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, plans to take over the party’s headquarters next Monday, as a result of its invitation to attend a recent meeting by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee of the Wike-led faction, had threatened that they will take over the PDP headquarters on Monday next week.