Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja , Nigeria
The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by Hon Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party to unseat Hope Uzodinma as the governor of Imo state. Ihedioha had sought a consequential order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant him a certificate of return as the legitimate winner of the 2019 Imo state gubernatorial election.
Justice Tijjani Abubakar, delivering the lead judgment on Tuesday, declared the application meritless, deeming it frivolous and vexatious. He emphasized the court’s lack of jurisdiction to address the matter, citing the expiration of the stipulated 60-day period for election-related cases.
In a surprising turn, Justice Abubakar imposed a substantial penalty on Mike Ozekhome, SAN, the counsel representing the PDP. Ozekhome was fined a staggering N40 million for bringing what the court deemed a baseless case before them. This decision underscores the court’s firm stance against unwarranted or frivolous litigation.
Truth Live News reports that this legal battle follows the Supreme Court’s ruling four years ago, which ousted Hon Ihedioha and directed INEC to issue a certificate of return to Senator Hope Uzodinma. The recent decision not only reinforces Uzodinma’s position as the governor but also serves as a cautionary measure against pursuing legal avenues without substantial merit.