Court hands over Umahi’s sacking suit to Appeal Court

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, struck out a motion filed by the sacked Governor of Ebonyi, State, David Umahi, seeking for a stay of execution of the March 8 judgment.

Justice Inyang Ekwo struck out the motion after counsel for Umahi and his deputy, Chukwuma Ume (SAN), prayed the court for the withdrawal of the motion, while the Peoples Democratic Party’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), did not oppose the application.

Justice Ekwo had ordered Umahi; his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, and 16 lawmakers to vacate their offices and seats following their defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress.

The judge also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately receive from the PDP the names of candidates to replace them, among others.

Punch