News
Justice Adama Iyayi–Lamikanra of Rivers State High Court 1 today
adjourned the hearing in the suit filed by the former governor of Rivers State,
Dr. Peter Odili against the governorship candidate of All Progressive Congress
(APC) in 2015, Dakuku Peterside to October 27, 2016.
Dakuku Peterside is also the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime
Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
In a suit No. PHC/801/2016 which is before Justice Lamikanra who
is also the Chief Judge of Rivers State, the former governor Dr. Odili is
seeking for N6 billion damages against Dakuku for defamation which resulted
from a statement allegedly made by the defendant during the press conference in
the state.
It was alleged that the defendant after Wike’s Supreme Court
victory, alleging that Wike, during his victory thanksgiving service stated
that Odili helped him to secure the Supreme Court victory.
But Odili said what Dakuku said was false and malicious, as Wike
never made such inference but that Dakuku twisted and misrepresented what Wike
said.
At the court Tuesday, counsel to the complainant include, Joseph
Ogwu, Donald Atuegu, Akinola Afolabi and Mr. Kanu Agabi(SAN), who is the lead
counsel but the defendant and his counsels were absent at the court.
The court which started its proceedings by 9:07 am Tuesday adopted
the witness statement of the complaint after his lead counsel examines the
document.
The counsel to the complaint Mr. Agabi told the judge that there
was proof of service on Dakuku.
In the absent of the defendant, Justice Lamikanra adjourned
hearing on the suit to 27th of October 2016.
Speaking to the press after the adjournment, the lead counsel to
the complainant, Mr. Agabi said, “We sued for libel. And we called our first
witness. And we have adjourned for cross examination to 27 October. We felt
defamed by their (defendant) publication and we are here to vindicate
ourselves.
“You could see that the defendants were not in court but they have
been served, they have been properly served. The court would not have
proceedings otherwise.
Leave your comment.
0 comments:
Post a comment