In the Rivers crisis, PDP legal adviser asserts that the appeal was authorized, countering party leadership. Get the latest on this internal conflict.

Barrister Kingsley Chuku, the Legal Adviser of Rivers State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024 appeal filed at the Port Harcourt Division was controversial and sanctioned by the party’s state chapter.

The party’s national leadership had repudiated an appeal that contested the Rivers State High Court’s order. The said court prohibited the state Chief Judge and Clerk of the State House of Assembly from accepting or enforcing any resolutions made by Martins Amaewhule-led faction in the Assembly.

On Sunday, the PDP released a statement through Mr Debo Ologunagba, their National Publicity Secretary. The party declared that neither individuals nor groups within its ranks possess the necessary authority to enlist external lawyers or file lawsuits on behalf of it.

Chuku asserted in a statement on Tuesday that the appeal had been sanctioned by the party’s state chapter.

He emphasized that it was the Rivers State chapter of the party who sanctioned submitting the appeal.

According to the attorney, a ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja permits state legal advisors of PDP to select lawyers for representing the party concerning its activities within each state.

It is important to note that the Federal High Court, Abuja Division delivered a ruling on September 20th, 2023 in Ambassador Desmond Akawo v. People’s Democratic Party & 2 ORS – Suit No PHC/ABJ/CS/112/2023. The court interpreted Article 46(1) of the Constitution of the People’s Democratic Party and declared that the State Legal Adviser has sufficient powers and authority to appoint legal representation for party-related activities at the state level.

He added that it is relevant to mention that the Peoples Democratic Party has not yet appealed against the aforementioned judgment.