Gov Umahi, Deputy Can’t Be Removed From Office, Says Ebonyi Court

Justice Henry Njoku of Ebonyi State High Court, sitting in Abakaliki, has issued an order of rem that Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Umahi and his deputy, Barrister Kelechi Igwe, should remain in their offices.

In a suit No HAB/13/2022, delivered by Justice Njoku on February 28, 2022, the Court dismissed the suit seeking to sack Umahi and his Deputy from office for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party, to the All Progressives Congress.

The suit was filed by Senator Sunny Ogbuorji, who ran for the 2019 governorship; His Running Mate and the All Progressives Congress.

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However, in another suit, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, sacked Umahi and his deputy for defecting to the APC.

But delivering on a motion ex-parte, Justice Njoku maintained that his earlier judgement, which came before the judgement of the Federal High Court remains valid and subsisting.

He said: “an interim order of this Honourable Court for seven days (7) subject to renewal is hereby granted, in view of its judgement in Suit NO HAB/13/2022 delivered on 28th Day of February, 2022, being a judgement in rem, and having precedence over any subsequent contrary judgement. The applicants hereto, Engr David Umahi and Dr Kelechi Igwe, shall accordingly remain and not be removed from office As Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.”

Justice Njoku also called on all Parties to obey the Court orders and refrain from abusing the judicial process.