The High Court in Abuja, the Nigeria Capital, has stopped the swearing-in of Barr. Dr. Obinna Uzoh as the new Senator Representing Anambra South in the Nigerian Senate.
The court issued an interim order stopping the swearing-in ceremony after it was approached by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who is challenging his removal and disqualification.
It will be recalled, that Anaedoonline.com had earlier reported that Justice Bello Kawu of the Federal High Court Sitting in Abuja, ordered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue the certificate of return to Barrister Dr. Obinna Uzoh, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as the Senator-Elect for Anambra South Senatorial District.
In his judgment in the suit filed by Obinna Uzoh, Justice Bello Kawu declared that the Young Progressive Party (YPP) having not conducted Party Primary should not have participated in the February general election for Anambra South Senatorial Zone.
Also, Justice Bello Kawu, also declared that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, having presented a forged National Examination Council (NECO) Secondary School Certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is not qualified to have contested the election.
He, however, ordered the Senate President and the Clerk to the National Assembly to swear in Dr. Obinna Uzoh as the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Anambra South Senatorial District within 48 hours.
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However in an exparte motion filed by Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, of YPP, to restrain INEC and the leadership of the Senate from swearing-in of Barr. Dr. Obinna Uzoh, as the new Senator Representing Anambra South in the Nigerian Senate, pending the determination of the application before it, Justice Bello Kawu has ordered that status quo be maintained thereby restraining INEC and the leadership of the Senate from swearing-in of Barr. Dr. Obinna Uzoh, as the new Senator Representing Anambra South in the Nigerian Senate, pending the determination of the application before it
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According to the application filed by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, he claimed that he was never served with any of the processes filed by both the claimant, Anani Anacletus Chuka and the 4th defendant, Dr. Obinna Uzor.
Based on the motion exparte, Justice Bello Kawu of High Court Abuja has restrained the Independence National Electoral Commission, the Clerk of the Nigeria Senate, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or their assigns, privies, servant, or any other person acting under them or in concert with them or on their behalf, from taking any step aimed at giving effect to the earlier Judgement.
The Court, however, adjourned to January 6th, 2020, for further hearing on the fresh application seeking to set aside the Judgement.