A High Court in Makurdi, Benue State yesterday adjourned the suit seeking the removal of the suspended National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu, to April 28, 2023.
Ayu was suspended by the PDP ward executive of his Igyorov ward in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State after passing a vote of no confidence on him few days after the general elections.
The suspension followed an interim order by Justice Wilfred Kpochi on March 27, 2023, restraining Ayu from parading himself as PDP national chairman, pending the hearing and determination of the suit seeking his removal.
The suit was filed by a PDP member, Engr. Conrad Terhide Utaan.
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When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to Ayu, J.J Usman (SAN), informed the court that he was withdrawing Ayu’s preliminary objection and counter affidavit to the suit, filed on April 3, 2023.
Lead counsel to Engr. Utaan, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), did not oppose the application for the withdrawal of the two processes but however asked the court to award cost against Ayu as the plaintiff came prepared for hearing of the substantive suit.
Ukala, further told the court that the defendants served on him fresh processes while he was in court and he will have to respond to them.
He also submitted that counsels in the matter have agreed that the preliminary objection and counter affidavit as well as the substantive suit be heard together on April 28.
