The Rivers State office of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been taken over by police operatives following a leadership tussle within the party.
This move comes as the new leadership of the party in the state attempts to assume control of the office, following a state high court ruling.
The court had issued an interlocutory injunction, restraining the current party chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, and his executive team from acting in their official capacities.
In response to the court’s decision, loyalists of Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara convened a swift congress on Wednesday, appointing a caretaker committee to steer the party’s affairs.
Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor emerged as the acting chairman during the congress. Ewor, also the Chairman of the Governing Council of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic and Vice Chairman for Rivers West Senatorial District, will lead the party along with other newly appointed executives until formal congresses can be held.
The new leadership has been tasked with restoring stability to the party, which has been plagued by internal conflicts. On Wednesday, after their inauguration, the new leaders vowed to take control of the party’s office in the state.
However, on Thursday afternoon, the police, anticipating possible unrest, heavily fortified the party premises located along the Aba-Port Harcourt expressway. Sources indicated that the police deployed officers in more than four vans to secure the area, blocking access to the party office.
As of press time, the new PDP leadership had relocated to an alternative venue to meet with party members, pending when they would be granted full access to the office.
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