*BY GREG IGWE*
A Federal High Court in Owerri has adjourned to 3rd December, 2018 A matter brought before it by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a governorship aspirant of the PDP and Senator representing Owerri zone.
Anyanwu is challenging the victory of a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who won the governorship primary of the party.
The ongoing legal fireworks has continued to raise fears among party faithful who say it is a major distraction that may deny the PDP the opportunity to retake Government House, Owerri in 2019.
The presiding judge, Justice M.T Salihu, while ruling on the motion for amendment of the Writ of Summons sought by the Plaintiff, granted the Plaintiff’s relief and fixed the next hearing for 3rd of December, 2018.
Earlier in their separate arguments, counsel to Senator Anyanwu, Paul Erokoro, prayed the court to consider the window for substitution of candidates by INEC by granting accelerated hearing of the suit,
He stated that the matter will be a mere academic exercise after December 2nd, which is the deadline for the substitution of names candidates by INEC adding that the matter by then would have been overtaken by events.
Counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Chief N.A Nnawuchi SAN, countered the Plaintiff’s argument, insisting that there is no need for the haste.
He advised his colleague not to assume the powers of the court to determine how and when matters are presided. He prayed the Court to grant him seven days to enable him prepare his defense for the amended suit and respond accordingly.
In his submission, counsel to Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Ken Njemanze SAN who appeared alongside Louis Alozie SAN, frowned at the attitude of the counsel to Senator Anyanwu, wondering why he should dare to arrogate to himself, the powers of the trial judge by seemingly making an order on behalf of the judge. He sought the court to grant him leave for 14 days, within which to prepare his response.
“The mandate of my client is at stake here. He has right to fair hearing. I pray you, therefore my lord to discountenance the application of the plaintiff for 24 hour adjournment and grant us 14 days to prepare our defense. The Constitution provides for 180 days for the determination of pre election matters. Therefore my Lord, let us be careful not to sacrifice justice on the altar of speed.”
In his ruling, Justice Salihu gave the defendants seven days to prepare their defence and to the plaintiff three days thereafter to file his responses if any and scheduled the next hearing for the December, 3rd 2018.
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