Court Adjourns Hearing In Odili, Dakuku’s Case To Oct 27

The Rivers State Chief
Judge, Justice Adama Inyie Iyayi-Lamikanra of High Court 1, Port Harcourt on Tuesday adjourned the hearing in the suit filed by the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili against the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 governorship election, Dr Dakuku Peterside to October 27, 2016.
In the suit No PHC/801/2016, before Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, the former governor is seeking for N6billion damages against Dakuku for defamation, resulting from a statement allegedly made by the defendant during a press conference in Port Harcourt, last year.
The suit claimed that the defendant had after the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike’s Supreme Court victory, alleged that Wike, during his thanksgiving service, stated that Odili helped him to secure the Supreme Court victory.
But Odili said that what Dakuku allegedly said was false and malicious, as Wike never made such inference, adding that Dakuku twisted and misrepresented what Wike said.
At the court last Tuesday, were counsels to the complainant including, Joseph Ogwu, Donald Atuegu, Akinola Afolabi and Mr. Kanu Agabi(SAN), who is the lead counsel but the defendant and his counsel were absent.
The court, which started its proceedings by 9:07am, adopted the witness’ statement of the complaint after his lead counsel had examined the document.
The counsel to the complainant, Agabi, told the judge that there was proof of service on Dakuku.
In the absence of the defendant, Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra adjourned hearing on the suit to 27th of October, 2016.
Speaking to newsmen after the adjournment, the lead counsel to the complainant, Agabi said, “We sued for libel. We called our first witness. We have adjourned for cross examination to 27 October. We felt defamed by their (defendant) publication, and we are here to vindicate ourselves.”