Abuja (Sundiata Post) – A Federal High Court, sitting in Makurdi, on Monday, rejected the application by the lawyer to Hon. Aida Nath Ogwuche, Barr. Kenneth Ikonne, asking the court to strike out the amendment to the originating summon filed by a House of Representatives Member, Dr. Francis Ottah-Agbo.
Dr. Agbo, an incumbent Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, had dragged Hon. Ogwuche, the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for the seat before the court, seeking her disqualification on the grounds that she did not resign her employment with the Federal Inland Revenue Service 30 Days, before contesting, as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act as amended!
The Chairman, House Committee on Narcotics Drugs, who came second at the just concluded PDP primaries, said his opponent only resigned her engagement with FIRS 2 days after she won the primary election.
The Lawmaker who is also the Spokesman of the Minority Caucus, also told the court, through his Counsel, Chief Anthony Malik (SAN), that his opponent, Ms Ogwuche was also in the engagement of Benue State Government as Principal Special Assistant to the Governor without without resigning from her position, 30 Days before the primary election.
Justice Abdu Dogo, while discrediting the application by Barr. Ikonne, insisted that the Court would entertain the motion for amendment, saying, doing otherwise would be inimical to the principle of fair hearing and justice.
The trail Judge also adjourned to July 28, 2022, for ruling on the motion brought before it and for commencement of the determination of issues canvassed thereof.