The suit by ex-Imo Governor, Rochas Okorocha, seeking an order to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issue him a certificate of return for Imo West senatorial seat has received a boost.

This indication came as the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Tuesday, ordered prompt hearing of the suit he (Okorocha) filed to that effect before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In the ruling published by The Nation on Wednesday, a three-man panel, led by Justice Stephen Adah, the court said: “since there is no opposition to the request for the withdrawal of the motion for stay filed on 17/5/2019, it is hereby struck out, having been withdrawn.

“Under Rule 10(c) of the Practice Direction of this court 2013, this court is mandated to order accelerated hearing of the case at the lower court.

“But, since we have been informed that the lower court has been hearing the case day to day, there is no need to order a fresh accelerated hearing.

“The day-to-day hearing, as it is presently done by the lower court, is commendable and it should continue. That is the order of this court.”

Other members of court’s three-man panel that gave the ruling were Justices Emmanuel Agim and Mohammed Idris.

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja had, on May 22, 2019, adjourned further proceedings in the case filed by Okorocha to await the Court of Appeal’s decision in the motion for stay of proceedings filed by Osita Izunaso. (DP)