The Supreme Court today adjourned definite hearing in the All Progressives Grand Alliance leadership dispute between Chief Maxi Okwu and Chief Victor Umeh to March 31, 2015.
The five-man panel presided by Justice Suleiman Galadima adjourned hearing in the matter initially slated for today to March 31 following a prayer by Isaac Bazimo, who told the Court that his principal, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN was sick and flown to the United Kingdom.
He however said Ikwueto has recovered and was expected in the country this morning.
He asked for a short adjournment to enable Ikwueto to handle the matter tomorrow, stating that he could move an application to amend the brief of the first and second respondents (Umeh and Sani Shinkafi), dated 7th March 2015 and filed same day.
Okwu’s lawyer, Garba Pwul [SAN] and INEC counsel Ibrahim Bawa did not object to the application. The court granted the leave to amend the brief earlier filed on 13th February 2015.
Pwul who appeared with Oba Maduabuchi also prayed the Court to deem his reply brief filed on 23rd March 2015, properly filed after the first and second respondents (Umeh and Shinkafi) amended their brief of argument.
The court granted the application and deemed it properly filed and served today.
The INEC counsel, Ibrahim Bawa also prayed the court for extension of time to file his brief of argument and deemed it properly filed and served. The court also granted the application.
Pwul SAN urged the court to allow parties to adopt their briefs as the substance of the matter would be destroyed if the matter was not heard today as scheduled. He expressed his sympathy over the ill health of Ikwueto, SAN, adding that he ought to have been notified of his health challenge.
The court adjourned definite hearing to Tuesday March 31st 2015, so as to accommodate Ikwueto who took ill.
Hon Victor Eneh
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