A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit filed by Siminialayi Fubara, Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party’s governor-elect and his deputy, Dr Ngozi Odu, over an alleged plan by the party to suspend them.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling, on Friday fixed April 20 for judgement after Fubara’s counsel, Dr Joshua Musa and Mr Johnson Usman, who represented the PDP, adopted their processes and presented their arguments.
Ekwo also fixed April 20 for judgement in a suit filed by Senator Sandy Onor, the Cross Rivers PDP governorship candidate, and Ambrose Emana, his running mate, against the PDP and its executives over allegations bordering on planned suspension.
In a related development, Ekwo fixed the same date for a ruling on a motion moved by Musa, asking an order to amend their originating summons in another suit filed by the Rivers PDP Chairman, Desmond Akawo against the party, its National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was opposed by Usman.
Upon resuming the hearing on Friday, Usman informed the court that the PDP wrote a letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, seeking that the case be reassigned to another judge.
He said Justice Ekwo was copied in the letter.
The senior lawyer said the letter, dated March 14, was received by the chief judge on March 15.
NAN reports that the PDP letter is asking Justice Tsoho for the transfer of all three cases currently before Justice Ekwo and its other cases to other judges.
But Musa opposed the application, insisting he was not aware of such a letter.
After the counsel adopted their processes, the judge then adjourned the first two cases for judgement and fixed Akawo’s suit for a ruling.