Gov Ayade Archives - Naija Premium Gist

Court fixes Friday to hear PDP suit against Gov Ayade’s defection

A Federal High Court, Abuja, has scheduled Friday for the hearing of a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday, reported from Court 7, where Justice Taiwo presides, that the judgment in suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/975/2021 filed by the PDP against Cross River governor and his deputy will come up on Friday, March 25.

In its suit, the counsel to the PDP, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, had filed the suit before Justice Taiwo Taiwo to seek an order sacking the governor and his deputy over their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), among others.

Ayade had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress in May 2021.

Speaking during the defection, Ayade said, “We need to join hands with President Buhari in his determination to enhance the fortunes of the country.

“I need all governors to similarly join me and understand my decision to join the APC”.

“…It is my responsibility to bring back Cross River to the centre in order to enhance her fortunes.”

In another twist, Justice Taiwo, on Monday, ordered two House of Representatives members representing Cross River and 18 lawmakers from the state’s House of Assembly to vacate their seats over their defection to APC.

The judge gave the order following a suit filed on Aug. 27, 2021, by the PDP to challenge the 20 lawmakers’ defection to APC, alongside the governor on May 20, 2021.

The Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has not ruled out the possibility of running for President in 2023, but only if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), finds him worthy to be given the ticket.

Ayade, who made this known when he featured on a Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, said he would not disobey the party if the leadership nominated him to run for the topmost position in the country.

Ayade who defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last year, however, said he would not go out of his way to seek the party ticket as he would not want to rock the peaceful boat of the party.

“I think the party should take a decision based on zoning principles which would be resolved as a party.”

When asked if he would consider running for President in 2023, Ayade said:

“Let me say, yes and no; if the APC family finds that I am fit and proper, yes.

“But if the family (APC) finds that there is a better option and that option fits into the zoning arrangement, of course, I will stand by the party position. I am a conformist; I stand with the system. I have never been an aberrant, I work with the system.”