Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and the deputy governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, have secured an interim order from the High Court of Ebonyi State asking them not to vacate their offices.
This followed an ex-parte motion by their lawyer, Roy Umahi, brought pursuant to Rule 3(3) of the High Court Rules of Ebonyi State in suit no HAB/13/22.
The court had on February 28 ruled that Umahi and his deputy did not flout any law by defecting to the APC.
Umahi and Igwe approached the court, praying it to declare that its verdict of February 28 remained valid as a judgement in rem.
They argued that the judgment had precedence over any other contrary judgment and is binding on all parties, persons and authorities.
Ruling, Justice Njoku granted the prayers and adjourned the matter to March 16 for hearing on the motion on notice.
“Motion Ex-parte dated and filled on 9th March 2022 and brought pursuant to order 39 rule 3(3) of the high court rule of Ebonyi state, 2008 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the honourable court coming before His Leadership, Justice Henry Njoku on 10th March 2022 praying the court as follow.”
“An Interim order of the court for seven days (subject to renewal) that in view of its judgement in suit No.HAB/13/2022 delivered on 28th February, 2022 being a judgement in rem and having procedure over any subsequent contrary judgement.
“The applicants Engr. David Umahi and Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe shall remain and not removed from office as governor and deputy governor of the state, respectively”, the motion read in part.
