By Our correspondent
Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Justice KJ Omotosho, has granted an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Mr. Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
According to the ruling, delivered on July 18, 2024, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2024, Justice Omotosho emphasized that when a matter is pending before the court, no party should take any steps that would make the outcome nugatory.
The case was brought before the court by APGA and Barrister Sylvester (Sly) Ezeokenwa as plaintiffs/applicants, while INEC and Chief Edozie Njoku were defendants/respondents.
The suit followed the publication of Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA in the Edo State Governorship Election, against Sly Ezeokenwa who emerged as the chairman in a national convention held in Awka on May 30, 2023.
The court order, signed by the registrar, Blessing Chibuozo-Ugwu, and obtained by our correspondent, reads in part:”UPON this matter coming up today the 18th day of July, 2024 for hearing.AND AFTER hearing P.I.N. Ikwueto SAN. with. C. I.Mbaeri Esq. and Chinedu Eze Esq. for the Plaintiffs.No appearance for the Defendants.
Court having delivered its ruling.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS:
THAT this court delivered judgment on 28th of March 2023 in FHC/ABJ/CS/1750/2022, Chief
Chekwas Okorie vs INEC & 2ors affirmed by the court of appeal on 2nd June 2023 inCA/ABJ/CV/454/2023, All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) &3ors vs INEC &3ors and related supreme court judgment delivered on 24th March 2023 in SC/687/2021, Chief Jude Okeke vs All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA)&3ors.
“THAT it is trite law that when a matter is pending before the court, no party shall take any steps or step that will make the outcome nugatory.
“THAT the Plaintiffs and the 1st Defendant (INEC)are hereby ordered not to take any steps, act or step that will make the outcome of the motion on notice dated and filed 12th day of July, 2024 nugatory.
“THAT any act, action or steps taken by the Plaintiffs and the 1st Defendant in this case to make the outcome of this matter nugatory shall be nullity.
“THAT this matter is adjourned till 25th day of September, 2024 for hearing.
“THAT Hearing Notice to be issued and served on all the parties.
