In the ongoing proceedings surrounding the petition filed by Mr. Uche Ogbuagbu, the Labour Party candidate for the House of Representatives election in Mbaitoli/Ikeduru, the courtroom witnessed tense moments as the judge reprimanded Ogbuagu’s legal team for their actions during the last sitting.
During the recent court session, Ogbuagu’s lawyers made the decision to withdraw their previous motion due to concerns about the lack of proper service of their suit on the third Respondent, Hon. Engr Akarachi Amadi. It appeared that they were wary of the potential consequences and implications of pursuing this line of action, especially after the judge had already lectured and reprimanded them on legal proceedings during a previous session.
However, the judge did not hold back in expressing his disapproval once again, cautioning Ogbuagu’s lawyers about the language they used in court. It is evident that the judge sought to ensure that all parties conduct themselves appropriately and professionally during the proceedings.
Furthermore, the motion for interrogatories filed by Ogbuagu’s legal team was struck down by the judge, who instead granted them permission to inspect election polling unit materials. It is worth noting that, in accordance with Section 146 of the 2022 Electoral Act, every contestant or party in an election has the right to inspect electoral materials, contrary to what Ogbuagu’s supporters had previously claimed.
The judge’s ruling regarding the interrogatories has led to some jubilation among Ogbuagu’s opponents, but the presiding judge emphasized the importance of understanding the law and court proceedings correctly. He urged people not to be misled by unfounded and uneducated writings, suggesting that Ogbuagu’s petition may not be as strong as his supporters believe.
In conclusion, the legal battle over the Mbaitoli/Ikeduru House of Representatives election result continues, with Uche Ogbuagu’s petition facing significant hurdles. As the proceedings move forward, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold and what impact it may have on the outcome of the election.
