Attempt by the Ali Modu-Sherif-led factional group of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to scuttle the hearing of the six appeals in the Abia state governorship tussle was yesterday rebuffed by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The Sheriff group which made a surprise appearance at the Appeal Court had sought to represent PDP in the legal tussle despite the fact that the business of the day for the court was hearing of the appeals.
A counsel from the group, Mr. Olagoke Fakunle (SAN) had attempted to appear for PDP but the presiding justice, Justice Ogunwumiju expressed surprise with the move and held that since he is not parties on record, he would not be allowed him to scuttle the hearing fixed for yesterday.
Fakunle had claimed that he was engaged by PDP through a letter signed by one Mr. Bashir Maidugu who claim to be Deputy National Legal Adviser of PDP.
In the drama that ensured and which threatened the hearing of the six appeals slated for yesterday, Justice Morenikeji Ogunwumiju turned down the appearance of the Sheriff group.
Justice Morenikeji Ogunwumiju also rejected the bid by Fakunle SAN to displace Ikpeazu SAN on the ground that the appellate court will abide by parties on the court record.
Justice Ogunwunmiju warned the group not to carry their murky water to the Appeal court but to limit same to their party secretariat in their own interest.
Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) who stood for PDP, had urged the court to void the letter brought by Fakunle on the ground that it was a worthless document because it had no seal of any lawyer.
But justice Ogunwumiju said the court would take judicial notice of the letter.
Meanwhile, the appellate court has reserved judgment in an appeal by Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, challenging his removal from office by a Federal High Court in Abuja
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