The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has reportedly sealed a property in Makurdi, Benue State, belonging to the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
According to reports, Ayu’s property, which has been sealed by a federal government agency, is located at Padre Pio Street, Judges Quarters (ext.).
According to the Guardian, the property was closed due to the owners’ failure to submit to the agency relevant documents relating to site plans on the property.
A source told the publication that the property was sealed because “it is an academic institution.”
However, Simon Imobo-Tswam, Special Adviser to the PDP Chairman on Media and Publicity, denied knowledge of any agency sealing any of his principal’s properties.
He promised to find out and get back to me. Attempts to obtain clarification on the development from the state’s NESREA coordinator, Daniel Iormough, were futile.
This comes about a week after the Makurdi High Court, presided over by Justice Kpochi, pushed back the date for hearing the substantive suit seeking to remove Ayu from his position as PDP National Chairman until April 28, 2023.
Justice Kpochi also resigned from the case, stating that he would return the case file to the Chief Judge of Benue State for reassignment to another judge because he is starting a national assignment at the elections petitions tribunal.
WITHIN NIGERIA recalls the PDP executives suspended Ayu at his Igyorov ward, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, after they passed a vote of no confidence in him.
On March 27, 2023, Justice Kpochi issued an interim order restraining Ayu from parading himself as the PDP national chairman pending the hearing and determination of the suit, based on an ex-parte motion filed by a PDP member, Conrad Utaan.