We won’t allow one-party system in Rivers, says Lulu-Briggs

The Accord governorship candidate in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has flayed what he alleged to be an attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to annihilate other political parties in the state to enable it become the sole party, noting that Rivers people deserve the right to have options from where they can make their choices of who will govern them.

Speaking outside the courtroom at the weekend after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reserved judgment in the case instituted by PDP against Accord National Assembly candidates, Lulu-Briggs said the PDP wants just their party to present a candidate in the general elections.

Justice Stephen Daylop-Pam reserved judgment after listening to arguments of counsels to PDP and Accord, the addresses were adopted and the case was adjourned till a date that will be communicated to both parties.

The case also brought by PDP against Accord governorship candidate, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs was adjourned till November 25 for definite hearing.

Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), the counsel for Chief Dumo Lulu, who also doubles as counsel for National Assembly candidates for the Accord, speaking to journalist outside the courtroom said:

“When we are back next week by God’s grace on November 25, we are going to take the substantive case in governorship pre-election filed by PDP against our candidate nomination, which has nothing to do with his qualification.”

Counsel for PDP, Dike Udenna, said: “The PDP is asking the court to direct INEC to remove the names of the Accord party candidates for Senate and Reps on the grounds that they are not eligible to contest the election. The principal complaint in the matter is that the Accord party held the congresses (primaries) for the nomination of those candidates outside the various constituencies.”

“Under the law we believe that renders it invalid. INEC knew about it, INEC published a report, where they made it clear that they were aware that the primaries held outside the constituencies.”