PDP outsmarts Justice Abang, extends Makarfi’s tenure in makeshift convention 

The tenure of Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been extended for one year.

The tenure elongation came through vote of confidence by national delegates of the PDP at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, River State capital, where the party reconvened to carry on its national convention.

After Sharks Stadium, the initial venue for the convention was sealed-up by armed security operatives, the party reconvened at the Rivers state secretariat of the party on Aba road in Port Harcourt, where it voted to elongate Makarfi’s tenure.

During the meeting, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Leo Ogor moved a motion asking for the amendment of the agenda of the convention.

Afterwards, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu moved the motion for extension of the tenure of the Senator Makarfi- led national Caretaker Committee.

The party, it was learnt, took the position hoping that within the life of the new Caretaker Committee, all court cases must have been resolved.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Markafi assured that he will not stop in rebuilding, uniting and restoring the glory of the party.

Read also: In fear of Justice Abang, police seal PDP convention centre

Leaders of the party at the convention included the Chairman of the national convention planning committee and governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, his Ondo State counterpart, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Senate Minority Leader, Ogor and Godswill Akpabio.

Recall that an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Okon Abang, had on Tuesday reaffirmed his earlier ruling on the illegality of the convention and ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, to ensure compliance of court order stopping PDP national convention slated for Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

His ruling came after the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State ruled that the party can go on with its convention and ordered Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to provide security and monitor the convention respectively.

By Ebere Ndukwu …