PORT HARCOURT, Federal Republic of Nigeria. There was a stampede at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt following an explosion at the court premises on Thursday July 9, 2015.
This followed the court’s dissolution of the 22 local government councils in the state.
At press time there was heavy presence of security men on the ever-busy Station road, where the High Court is located.
No casualty was however recorded.
Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High Court 1, had in his ruling, stated the decision of the administration of former governor, Chibuike Amaechi, to go ahead with the council election on May 23 inspite of a court order asking all parties to maintain status quo, was a flagrant abuse of court process and disregard for rule of law.
Justice Akanbi, in his ruling, berated the Amaechi administration for “flagrant disobedience of court processes.”
He said: “The respondent (APC) was aware of the order that they should leave the rest.
“The respondent committed contempt of court for going ahead to hold the elections while the suit is pending.
“While a matter is in court nothing should be done to prejudice the matter.
“The parties cannot jump the gun to do anything in their own way. A party in a suit cannot resort to self-help. Whenever a ruling has not been given, parties are bound to maintain status quo.
“The attitude of the 2nd and 3rd respondents in this matter is unacceptable, provocative, lawless and condemnable. We must learn to uphold the rule of law. It helps to strengthen our democracy.
Justice Akanbi, said: “I hereby set aside the Local government elections held on the 23rd of May, 2015″
Credit: Daily Independent (Nigeria)
