Court bars Chief Judge from swearing in Ogah as Abia governor

(Nigeria) Mr Bonnie Iwuoha, Abia State Commissioner for Information, says Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has secured a court order restraining Abia Chief Judge from swearing in Uchechukwu Ogah as governor of Abia.

Iwuoha made the disclosure on Thursday in Umuahia while addressing newsmen.

It will be recalled that Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court, Abuja, had removed Ikpeazu as governor and ordered Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to issue Certificate of Return to Ogah.

INEC complied with the order and issued Certificate of Return to Ogah on Thursday.

Iwuoha told newsmen that the restraining order was issued by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu of an Abia High Court, sitting in Osisioma.

"The order which is contained in Suit No. HOS/52/2016 has Dr Okezie Ikpeazu as claimant with Uche Ogah, INEC and the Chief Judge of Abia as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents.

"The 3rd respondent, any other judge of the court or any judicial officer are hereby restrained from swearing in the 1st respondent, while the claimant remains in office pending the determination of Motion on Notice," he said.

Iwuoha said the court also ordered the INEC not to issue Certificate of Return to Ogah in line with Section 143(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

In his remarks, Dr Eme Okoro, the Secretary to the State Government, said that a stay of execution order and order of appeal had been filed.

Okoro said that both motions were delivered at the appropriate quarters to ensure that due process to becoming a governor was followed.

All the entrance and exit gates of Abia Government House, Umuahia were barricaded and heavy presence of security agents was visible in various parts of the town.