From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Abuja division of the Federal High Court, has adjourned proceedings in a suit filed by Mr Akanimo Udofia, a factional governirship candidate of Akwa Ibom All Progressives Congress (APC) to await an Appeal Court decision in a similar matter.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who adjourned the case to January 23, held that since the reliefs sought in Udofia’s suit, were similar to the reliefs granted by the Uyo division of the court in Sen. Ita Enang’s case, his court would be bound by the Court of Appeal decision.
Justice Nwite, who agreed with Udofia’s counsel, Umeh Kalu, SAN, said the adjournment would also be in the interest of justice.
The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo had, on November 14, nullified the nomination of Mr Udofia as the governorship candidate of the APC in Akwa Ibom.
The judge, Agatha Okeke, in the suit instituted by Mr Enang, a contestant in the poll, ordered the APC to conduct a fresh governorship primary within two weeks but barred Udofia from participating in the new primary.
But Udofia had filed an appeal marked: CS/C/370/2022 to challenge the said judgment.
The Abuja division of the Court which heard the matter on December 24, 2022, had reserved judgment in the matter.
However, when a suit filed by Udofia against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in which Enang was joined, came up before Justice Nwite on Tuesday, Enang had prayed the court to dismiss the suit for lack of diligent prosecution.
The ex-lawmaker also urged the court to commit Udofia to prison for allegations bordering on perjury.
