An Enugu High Court has restrained Samuel Anyanwu from parading himself as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that failure to comply could result in imprisonment.
The judgment, delivered by Justice C.O. Ajah, came in response to a suit filed by Emmanuel Aniagu against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman, Iliya Umar Damagun, Senator Anyanwu, and the PDP National Vice Chairman for the Southeast, Ali Odefa.
Naijaonpoint gathered that the court declared that Anyanwu’s actions were inconsistent with the PDP’s constitution and rules, emphasizing his conflict of interest in holding dual roles as National Secretary and gubernatorial candidate for the Imo State election.
Justice Ajah ruled that Anyanwu had effectively relinquished his position as National Secretary by his conduct, which included assuming the role of the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Imo State in the 2023 election.
“The 3rd defendant (Anyanwu) is hereby restrained from further parading himself as the National Secretary of the 1st defendant (PDP), having relinquished the said position by his conduct,” the court ruled.
The court also ordered the PDP Acting National Chairman, Damagun, to recognize Hon. S.K.E. Udeh Okoye as the Acting National Secretary, noting that the Southeast Zonal Executive Committee recommended Okoye to serve out the remaining tenure for which Anyanwu was elected in 2021.
The court highlighted Anyanwu’s significant role as National Secretary, which includes drafting and approving gubernatorial screening committees, appeal panels, and electoral committees across the federation.
It noted that his continued occupancy of the position while serving as a gubernatorial candidate created a conflict of interest.
“By occupying both positions, the 3rd defendant made himself a judge in his own cause,” Justice Ajah stated.
In a stern warning, the court stated, “Unless you (Anyanwu) obey the directions contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison.”