The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed worry over repeated assignment of its cases to Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu and Mohammed Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
The party in a petition addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, FCT, Justice John Tsoho, dated November 19 and signed by its National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, expressed displeasure over the fixation on the three judges on matters either filed by the PDP or brought against it.
Recall that Justice Omotosho, in a ruling recently on a suit brought before him by Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanah, and Turnah George, the Imo, Abia State Chairmen and South-South Zonal Secretary of the PDP, respectfully, restrained the party from proceeding with its national elective convention, citing the failure to abide by the party’s rules as stipulated in its constitution.
Similarly, Justice Lifu directed the PDP to put the convention on hold until Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa State, procured a nomination form to contest for the Office of the National Chairman of the party.
These orders notwithstanding, the party went ahead with the convention, relying on the court order of Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court.
The conflicting rulings have since led to the factionalisation of the main opposition party, as rival blocs loyal to the PDP Governors Forum and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, continue to lay claims to the authentic leadership of the party.
The petition said the PDP leadership is worried that for years, all its cases at the Federal High Court in Abuja have been assigned only to Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu and Mohammed Abdulmalik, despite the division having 12 judges.
It noted that party members view these courts as “courts of particular concern” in PDP matters and stressed that justice must be seen to be done.
The party therefore urged that no future PDP-related cases be assigned to the three judges, while reaffirming its respect for the judiciary.
The PUNCH