ACHILLEUS UCHEGBU, (Deputy News Editor)

A judgment by an Ogidi High Court in Anambra State, voided the explusion of Governor Ngige, holding that the action lacked merit as proper procedure for such a punitive act was not followed.

Though the party had indicated readiness to challenge the decision in a superior court, Ali, in defiance, said the governor remained expelled.

However, Chief Ojo, who is also representing the NBA at the confab said the rule of law must be maintained.

He said Ali’s position was unhealthy for the party and good governance.

Though Chief Ojo said the party can appeal against the judgment, he maintained that the rule of law must be obeyed.

"All I can say here is that he should please obey the court. His comment is not good for the rule of law and good governance. PDP can appeal but the rule of law must be obeyed. The judgement subsists until it is proved otherwise by the court," he said.

On his part, Chief Ozekhome, who said he was disappointed by the comment, said it was an "outrageous statement in defiance of a valid and subsisting court judgement by a competent court of superior record which judgement had not been set aside by another court."

According to Chief Ozekhome, "what he (Ali) is telling us is that he and PDP live in a world of their own and whatever action they take remain sacred and sacrosanct like the Hammurabi tablet which are not subject to change. I am very worried that this will portend evil for the polity."

Ozekhome, who maintained that the rule of law must be obeyed, insisted that Ngige remains a bona fide member of the PDP until a court of superior jurisdiction proves the Ogidi High Court judgement wrong.

"As far as Nigeria is concerned, Ngige remains a member of the PDP whether Ali likes it or not. He remains a leader of the PDP in Anambra State and there is nothing Ali or anybody can do about it. Ngige has so far remained the nemesis of the PDP and will so remain until 2007," he said.