FCT election: Court fixes date to hear Ugwu’s suit against Ogbeche

The National Industrial Court has fixed Nov. 24 to hear Mr Donald Ugwu’s suit of alleged election violation against Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche of Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council.

The judge, Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, fixed the date on Monday after Okechukwu Osuagwu, the defendant’s counsel informed the court that he was served with an application from the claimant’s counsel, asking for an adjournment.

The court after acknowledging receipt of the same application asked if Okechukwu was objecting the application.

The court therefore adjourned until Nov. 24 for hearing of originating summon and other processes.

The court also directed that hearing notice be served on the claimant’s counsel.

It was gathered that Ogbeche of the Abuja Enquirer, who was present during Monday’s proceeding was served originating summons by substituted means as ordered by the court on June 6.

The claimant is seeking another order disqualifying Ogbeche, an order nullifying the purported election, and an order setting aside his purported inauguration as chairman of the FCT NUJ council.

He is also seeking an order of the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Ogbeche from parading himself as the chairman of the FCT Council of the NUJ.

Ugwu is also urging the court to declare him as the sole candidate qualified to contest the office of chairman.

In addition to the prayer to be declared the winner of the election, Ugwu also seeks an order directing the first defendant to immediately swear him into office as chairman, FCT Council of NUJ.