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PDP Convention: 3,600 Delegates Arrive in Abuja, Awaits

Published

3 years ago

October 29, 2021

Eric

Some of the 3,600 delegates expected for the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party have started arriving in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

One of our correspondents, who visited the Eagle Square, venue of the event, on Thursday, observed that the PDP flag had been hoisted in the venue, while banners and decorations adorned the area. A podium had also been assembled at the centre of the square.

“I’m already in Abuja; the congress is on; it will hold,” the Gombe State Chairman of the party, Maj Gen Mamman Kwaskebe (retd.), told one of our correspondents on the telephone.

However, there is uncertainty in the atmosphere due to a pending appeal filed by the party’s suspended Chairman, Uche Secondus.

An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, reserved ruling on the appeal filed by Secondus seeking the suspension of the national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Secondus, through his counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), in an appeal marked CP/PH/339/2021, is seeking an order of injunction restraining the PDP, its officers and representatives from holding or conducting the national convention on Saturday and Sunday, or any other date pending the hearing and final determination of the appeal.

However, when the court resumed sitting on Thursday to entertain and rule on the legal submissions of all parties, Oyetibo told the court that in adherence to its directives, he had amended the processes earlier served on all respondents and added the names of all the parties.

Oyetibo said all the 11 respondents had been served the amended processes, adding that one of his motions was filed afresh on October 27 and was ready to be taken.

He noted that Article 35(1B) of the PDP Constitution, made pursuant to Section 222(C) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, used the word “shall” and vested in the national chairman the right and not a privilege to preside over the national convention.

Oyetibo told the court that the intention of his application was not to prohibit the national convention, but to suspend it pending the determination of issues of leadership of the party, stressing that what the court was not to stop were primaries of political parties and general elections.

On his part, counsel for the 1st to 5th respondents, Henry Bello, opposed the application with a 24-paragraph affidavit sworn to by the 1st respondent and urged the court to dismiss the application with cost.

Bello argued that the application sought the determination of the main appeal, which was the leadership of the party, without a hearing, noting that such prayers were not attainable.

He said the five grounds of the appellant’s amended notice of appeal had no iota of allusion to the national convention of the PDP (6th respondent), adding that the application was a radical departure and alien to the main appeal.

Similarly, counsel for the PDP, S. I. Ameh, SAN, prayed the court to dismiss the application, saying the balance of convenience was on the court not to grant the application, because it fell within the set time for the convention as set by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Counsel for the 8th respondent, Godwin Obla, SAN, in a 21-paragraph affidavit sworn to by one Joy Okonkwo, urged the court not to find merit in the application, but to dismiss it.

Also, Donald Dee-Wigwe, SAN, who represented the 9th and 10th respondents, told the court that the office of national chairman was a political privilege and that the decision of the High Court that sacked Secondus terminated that privilege.

Dee-Wigwe noted that being a political privilege, it could not attract a judicial response and urged the court to dismiss the application.

After listening to the arguments, the three-man panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani reserved ruling on the appeal for today (Friday) by noon.

“We are reserving ruling on this matter for Friday by 12 noon. Nobody has said anything about setting aside the application,” Justice Tsammani said.

The judge warned the media against publishing unsubstantiated reports about the proceedings of the court.

The Punch

Featured

MC Awilo Brings Laughter, Joy to “The King of Street Joke” Event

Published

2 days ago

April 23, 2025

Eric

Nigeria’s comedy king, MC Awilo, reignited the nation’s laughter quotient with a spectacular performance at the “King of Street Joke” event. Held at the RickRex Event Center in Benin City, the show was a masterclass in humor, entertainment, and unforgettable moments.

The evening kicked off with an all-star lineup, featuring comedic geniuses like King James, Kaduna 1st son, and Brother Ifeanyi. However, the night’s pièce de résistance was MC Awilo’s dramatic entrance, which left the audience in awe. Accompanied by a troupe of men in black and a giant gorilla mascot, MC Awilo’s arrival sparked a frenzy of excitement.

With his razor-sharp wit and clever wordplay, MC Awilo delivered a string of side-splitting jokes that had the crowd in stitches. His performance was flawless, and the audience’s infectious laughter filled the room. The comedian’s ability to read the room and tailor his jokes to the audience’s mood was truly impressive.

The event also featured a memorable performance by gospel sensation Brother Ifeanyi, who treated the crowd to his hit single “Jump and Pass.” The audience sang along, reliving cherished childhood memories. The Easter-themed celebration added to the festive atmosphere, making the night even more unforgettable.

Fans raved about MC Awilo’s show, with attendee Lucky Otono describing it as “world-class.” “I had an incredible time, laughing nonstop throughout the event,” he said. “The music, comedians, and ambiance were all top-notch. I’m already counting down to next year’s event.”

With its winning blend of comedy, music, and entertainment, “The King of Street Joke” event was a triumph, solidifying MC Awilo’s position as one of Nigeria’s most beloved comedians.

Featured

Lagos Hotelier Slumps, Dies During Wife’s 60th Birthday Thanksgiving

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2025

Eric

A prominent Lagos hotelier, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, tragically passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a church thanksgiving service held in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday.

The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos State, leaving family, friends, and well-wishers in deep shock.

In a now-viral video shared on Facebook by Ayoade Ojeniyi on Sunday, the late businessman appeared visibly distressed, gesturing frantically—apparently requesting water or an inhaler—moments before slumping while delivering his testimony.

The thanksgiving service had been organised to celebrate his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele, with a grand reception scheduled to follow immediately after at Noble Castle Events Centre, Igando.

However, those plans were abruptly halted when news broke that Akinyele had collapsed in church. Despite frantic efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

One of the event vendors, who shared their experience via Facebook, said they had arrived at the reception venue as early as 10 am for the party, which was set to commence by 2pm.

The vendor wrote: “The celebrant, her husband, their children, and guests had all gone to church for the thanksgiving, intending to proceed to the reception afterwards. Varieties of foods were ready, decoration set, cocktails, emu oguro, and more. The live band had already mounted about 25 speakers. This is how people die? I can’t even think of asking for my balance for the job.”

Featured

Easter: Glo Urges Christians to Embrace Christ-like Virtues

Published

5 days ago

April 20, 2025

Eric

Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has charged Christians to embrace the virtues that Christ preached as the 2025 Easter celebrations hold this weekend.

While congratulating Christians in Nigeria in a goodwill message released from its Lagos Head Office on Thursday, Globacom admonished them to imbibe the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.

According to Glo, “Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”

Globacom charged all Nigerians to espouse the lessons of selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society and called on all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all.

The company praised their perseverance through the 40-day Lenten period which comes before Easter as it emphasized the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.

Easter comes yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The company assured its customers of unhindered voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.