The embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu on Monday resumed office at the party’s Secretariat in Abuja, despite fears of a possible clash with another person laying claim to the office, Ude Okoye.
In his office, Anyanwu sprinkled anointing oil on his seats before sitting down.
Although there had been fears of violence, Arise News observed a minimal presence of police personnel at the PDP Headquarters.
While calling for prayers, he said the ruling of the Appeal Court which recognised Okoye has been appealed and there is a stay of execution on it.
As at the time of this report, Anyanwu is inspecting the offices.
Both Samuel Anyanwu and Okoye are laying claim to the office of the National Secretary of the PDP.
Arise News reports that the ongoing crisis started after Anyanwu contested for the Imo State Governorship election, an exercise he lost to the incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma.
On his return to the party, Okoye who held sway while he was away, challenged his right to return to an office he vacated to contest for an election in his state.
The courts ruled in favour of Okoye and last week, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba had acknowledged Okoye as the legally recognized national Secretary of the party, maintaing that the PDP has a high regard for the pronouncement of the court of appeal.
Speaking on the court judgement, Anyawu said the matter has been appealed, and it is now in the Supreme Court.
Asked about his views regarding the party’s position last week, acknowledging Okoye as the National Secretary, he said the briefing by the National Publicity Secretary was his personal opinion.
Anyawu’s supporters staged soliday protest at the entrance of PDP Headquarters, chanting songs that he remains the National Secretary of the party.
