The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri the Imo State Capital on Monday the 4th day of November 2019, reserved judgement on the application filed by the Minority Whip/Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency in the Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha which seeks to upturn the verdict of the Tribunal that earlier ordered for a re-run in some polling units of the Constituency.
Speaking while adopting his address, Counsel for the appellant Chief G. Tagbo Ike explained that his motion was dated 22nd of October 2019, in which he seeks the order of the Court in ABC and D of their application and urged the lordships to grant the application, adding that his client want 002 of Ohaeke ward included in the grant 1 of the appeal.
However, Counsel to first and second respondents, Barr. Mike Onyeka stated that the first and second respondents’ responses was dated on the 29th day of October 2019, and filed on the same day, and humbly adopts the said brief as argument in the issue, stressing that he filed a response motion under Rule 1, pages 20 to 23 of first and second brief.
Barr. Onyeka further explained that the appellant reply was served not long, saying that time is relevant to cross appeal, while adopting the brief, he humbly prayed the Court to dismiss appeal as filed by the appellant.
In an interview, Counsel to INEC, M.S Nwani said that the 3rd respondent (INEC) never opposed the appeal as filed by the appellant, noting that the decision of the Tribunal for a re-run in some polling units in Arochukwu State Constituency was wrong.
Also reacting Barrister Echezona Etiaba (SAN) Counsel to the fourth respondent explained that the appellant was right to have approached the Appellate Court and expressed delight that the Appeal Court will give the hearing a good justice it deserves.
Barrister Carol Dike-Okoroafor and Chief Tagbo Ike while charting with newsmen also expressed joy that the Appeal Court will look into the matter as the appellant has a good case, they however said that they will be looking forward to the day the judges will give its final verdict on the matter.
After the adoption of the written addresses by both Counsel, the presiding Judge however reserved judgement till later day.
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