The Force headquarters said it has sealed off the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt, the venue of the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party. It was learnt that policemen stormed the venue of the convention around 4am on Wednesday.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Donald Awunah, disclosed this during a programme on Channels Television titled, ‘Sunrise Daily’. Awunah said the primary responsibility of the police was to protect life and prevent crisis. He added that due to the tension surrounding the convention and the conflicting court rulings, the police thought it best to seal off the venue.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has barred the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned National Convention pending hearing and determination of the substantive suit filed Ali Modu Sheriff. The court gave the ruling in a motion on notice filed by Ali Modu Sherriff, against the convention.
The court presided by Justice Okon Abang also directed the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to ensure the convention does not hold.
The judge equally issued an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), from monitoring the convention.
However, Justice Ibrahim Watila of a Federal High court in Port Harcourt Monday ordered that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC should monitor the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP slated for Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
Ruling on a suit filed by Senator Ben Obi for himself and other members of the National Convention Planning Committee of the party, Justice Watila also granted that the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Rivers state, Director of State Service should provide security for the convention.
Meanwhile, t
he People’s Democratic Party(PDP), on Wednesday urged supporters nationwide not be panic over the situation by the Police taking over the venue of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),National Convention in Port Harcourt.
The party on its official facebook page noted that party leaders and Governors are taking control of the situation.
Its read: “Happening now in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, we are witnessing huge presence of contingent of security agencies within and around the Sharks stadium, venue of our Repeat National Convention.
“Party leaders, our governors and other leaders of the Party are on top of the situation and has directed all members and other Party supporters nationwide to remain calm and await further instructions.”
