Today’s issue decided byJustice Inyang Ekwo is not justiciable.
The Supreme Court in 2022 dismissed in similar circumstances cases presided over by same judge concerning the Edo PDP congress. The S’court dismissed suit by Orbih’s faction, saying it’s a party affair
court. The 581 delegates loyal to Orbih instituted a suit before the Abuja federal high court marked FHC/Abj/ CS/598/2022 through their representatives – Monday Osagie, Reuben Ekhosuehi, Adeyanba Osaro, Magdalene Osawe, and Imariabe Oghogho. In a judgment delivered on May 26, Inyang Ekwo, a federal high court judge that has turned the court to a competitive marketplace ruled in favour of the plaintiffs and issued an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or accepting the list of ad-hoc delegates produced by the Obaseki-led faction. On appeal, the Court of Appeal held that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter because it’s an inter-party issue that should be resolved within the PDP. Upon further appeal to the Supreme Court, a five-member panel of the court headed by Amina Augie affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal. The apex court held that the Court of Appeal correctly held that the matter is an intra-party affair. It is not justiciable and not within the jurisdiction of the federal high court. The justices also held that delegates do not have the constitutional right to seek redress in court.
But that only an aspirant could make complaints about grievances. That the court cannot open that door to delegates.
Same fate awaits today’s decision by the controversial judge of the Federal High Court. There is no cause for alarm. Barr Emmanuel Agbale
‘Ighodalo: Today’s case decided by Ekwo not justiciable’
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