Skip to main content

Ekpenyong weeps as Court bars INEC from issuing certificate of return


A Federal High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to stay action on the issuance of certificate of return to any candidate in respect of the election to the office of  the Senator, Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial election held on February 23, pending the determination of suit before it.

Justice Valentine Ashi made the order in an application, with suit No. FCT/HC/M/2680/19, with Senator Godswill Akpabio as the applicant.

The Independent National Electorial Commission (INEC) is the respondent.

In an exparte motion dated February 28, 2019,  with an affidavit deposed to by Daniel Michael Idoko and filed on March 1, Senator Akpabio prayed the court for leave to apply for “judicial review for the issuance of writ of Mandamus, prohibition, injunction and other declaratory reliefs against INEC.

Akpabio also asked the court to direct the respondent to stay further action ” particularly further action in respect of issuance of certificate of return to any candidate in respect of the seat of senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial district on the account of election held on the 23rd February, 2029.”

The court in granting the order, said there was “some merit especially in regards to the need to keep things in status quo”

Thus, the court ordered “Leave is hereby granted to the applicant to apply for judicial review for the issuance of a writ of mandamus prohibition injunction and other declaratory reliefs against the respondent.”

The court further ordered  a stay of issuance of certificate of return to any candidate in respect of the seat as sought by the applicant

Justice Ashi also directed the parties to first address the court on jurisdiction on the next adjourned date. Meanwhile, the court adjourned to March 8 for hearing of the case.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Late Raphael Edem laid to rest

Late Raphael Edem laid to rest  ...Our candle is broken - Commumity ...my father means so much to people - Family  By IFIOKABASI ABIA  It was a moment of encomium, glamour and fanfare as a doyen of all time, Late Noble Brother Raphael Edem , KSJI laid to rest in his country home. The funeral mass was conducted last weekend by St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ikot Inuen, Nkwot, Ikono Local Government Area. In his homily, the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. John Ayah said the Life we live is not our own and we should do every thing to please our Creator so that when the day of transition to glory come we will not be found wanting. According to Ayah, "I knew our brother very well, Late Noble Brother Raphael Edem lying here. He was dedicated to the service and things of God. He is a testament of encouragement, focus, passion, support for the needy and never give up." "Late Edem never seat on the fence. He was hospitable and accommodating to all who came his ...

LG Poll: Dorah Ebong charges Chairmanship candidates on patriotism

  LG Poll: Dorah Ebong charges Chairmanship candidates on patriotism  The Federal Character Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, Obongawan Dorah  Ebong, has charged all the Chairmanship candidates of all political parties that feature in the forthcoming, October 5, 2024 Local Government Election to be patriotic and work for the overall interest of Akwa Ibom citizens. Ebong made this charged  during a one day Critical Stakeholders Engagement  with the theme : "Towards a free , fair and  credible 2024 Local Government Election in Akwa Ibom State" held yesterday in Uyo, Federal Character Boss who was Mother of the day , tasked Chairmanship candidates to embark on life touching projects to raise the standard of living in the rural communities. In her words, "If those contesting for chairmanship position in our various Local Government Areas are not here for the signing of peace accord, it means they're seeking for selfish interest rather than serving , pr...

GOV ENO TO EMPOWER 3,055 HOUSEHOLDS, ENTREPRENEURS WITH OVER N600M, TODAY

GOV ENO TO EMPOWER 3,055 HOUSEHOLDS, ENTREPRENEURS WITH OVER N600M, TODAY  By Emma Akpabio  Barely few weeks after he empowered 800 budding entrepreneurs with N400 million, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno will tomorrow disburse over N600 Million to the beneficiaries of the Akwa Ibom Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, AK-CARES, Phase 2.  The empowerment programme scheduled for noon at the prestigious Ibom Hall in Uyo, is part of the activities to commemorate the Governor’s one year in office.  In an interview with journalists in Uyo, the Chairman steering committee of AK-CARES and Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr Emem Bob, said funds will be disbursed under Result Area 1 and Disbursement Linked Indicators, DLI 1.3 Livelihood Grants as well as DLI 3.2 Nano, Micro and small business Enterprise.  “The Wednesday empowerment programme will witness N150,000 each, doled out to 1,055 beneficiaries of livelihood grants under DLI1.3, N18 mill...