As was predicted in our earlier report today (read HERE), the claims and counter-claims over who occupies the Abia State Government House in Umuahia are building up to a high point. Following an application by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, an Abia State High Court has today barred all judicial officers in the state from swearing in Mr Uche Ogah as governor. The judicial officers barred include the Chief Judge of Abia State and the President of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal.
The High Court Order given by Justice Chibuzo Ahuchaogu also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from issuing a Cerficate of Return to Ogah. Justice Ahuchaogu stated:
“It is ordered that an order of injunction is hereby made restraining the 2nd defendant (INEC) from issuing a certificate of return to the 1st defendant (Ogah) while the claimant (Ikpeazu) remains in office in accordance with section 143(1) & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) pending the determination of the motion on notice.
“It is further ordered that the 3rd defendant (Chief Judge of Abia State) or any other judge of the court or any judiciary officer are hereby restricted from swearing-in the 1st defendant (Ogah) while the claimant (Ikpeazu) reamains in office in accordance with section 143(1) & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) pending the determination of the motion on notice.
“It is also ordered that this order is hereby made to last for 10 days from today. The returnable date is fixed for the 8th day of July, 2016.
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