More Drama in Abia as Court Stops Ogah's Swearing-in as Governor

Uchechukwu Ogar

 

A High Court sitting in Osisioma, Abia State, has issued an injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from issuing a certificate of return to Uchechukwu Ogah on Thursday.

 

It will be recalled that Ogah was declared governor by an FCT High Court on Wednesday.

 

According to Vanguard, the court also restrained the Chief Judge of Abia State from swearing Ogah in while ordering status quo to be maintained until pending the determination of motion on notice. 

 

Justice C.H Ahuchaogu in granting the order relied on section 143 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). 

 

This came as INEC advanced reasons for its decision to issue a Certificate of Return to Mr Uche Ogah who came second at the last PDP governorship primaries in Abia State. 

 

INEC National Commissioner in charge of the South East, Amb. Lawrence Nwuruku said the commission only kowtowed to the lawful order of a court. 

 

However, responding, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who had filed an appeal against the ruling expressed shock at the hurry at which INEC issued a certificate of return to his rival. 

 

Ikpeazu had in a statement earlier on Thursday, urged the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding despite the issuance of Certificate of Return to Mr. Uche Ogah.