The Supreme Court will today, Tuesday, hear an appeal by the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, challenging his removal from office before the expiration of his four-year tenure.
The suit slated for hearing on Monday could not hold due to nonappearance in court of one of the defendants, Chief Dan Orbih.
Apart from Dan Orbih, other defendants in the appeal are Ibeawuchi Ernest Alex, Dennis Nna Amadi, Emmanuel Stephen, Umezurike Onuoha, Godwin Pepple Manfred, PDP, Senator Suleiman Nazif, Hon. Solomon Ejike Ogbonna, Hon. Uche Emmanuel Minukwa, and Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyawu.
When the matter came up, it was discovered that Orbih, the 8th defendant in the appeal, was not personally present and there was no legal representation for him.
His earlier counsel, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), had written the apex court informing it that Orbih has not briefed him properly represent him in the matter.
But counsel to Uche Secondus, Oba Maduabuchi (SAN), had protested the development, insisting that Orbih was not sued by his client but that the defendant imposed himself on the excuse of being zonal chairman of PDP.
He sought to move a motion for substituted service to enable him serve the defendant with all court processes through the PDP zonal office.
Justice Mohammed Musa Dattijo, who led a five-man panel of Justices of the court fixed today for hearing of all pending application in respect of the matter.