The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja on Thursday declined an ex parte application seeking to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Delivering the ruling, Justice Peter Lifu refused the appeal by certain ward leaders from Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, who alleged that the lawmaker had been suspended over anti-party activities.
Instead of granting the injunction, the court directed the plaintiffs to put the senator on notice, giving her the opportunity to respond to the allegations and defend herself.
The ward leaders, reportedly loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had approached the court seeking to stop Kingibe from presenting herself as a member of the party and from taking part in its activities.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu emphasised the need for judicial discretion, particularly in politically sensitive matters. He noted that fairness demands that all parties be given the opportunity to present their cases on merit before any decision is taken.
The court subsequently ordered that all relevant processes be served on the senator to enable her prepare her defence.
The matter was adjourned to April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was instituted by Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel on behalf of themselves and other ward members, with Kingibe listed as the sole defendant.
In their ex parte application, the plaintiffs claimed that the senator, who represents the FCT in the Senate, was suspended on March 10, 2026, by Wuse Ward executives over alleged anti-party activities and disregard for the party’s constitution.
They urged the court to grant an interim injunction restraining her from acting as a member of the party pending the determination of a motion on notice.
Specifically, the plaintiffs sought orders preventing her from attending party meetings, performing functions reserved for members, or representing the party in any capacity. They also asked the court to restrain her from interfering in ward administration, including its register and other official activities.
The application was anchored on five grounds, including allegations of gross misconduct and the confiscation of ward records.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
No comments:
Post a Comment