Unic Press UK: On Tuesday, the 26th July 2016, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja ruled that Okezie Ikpeazu would remain in office until his appeal against the decision of the lower court is determined.
The matter has been adjourned until the 9th August 2016 by Judge Morenikeji Ogunwumiju who led four other judges.
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A Federal High Court presided by Judge Okon Abang ruled on the 27th June 2016 that the third defendant, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should immediately issue a Certificate of Return to Dr Sampson Ogah as Governor of Abia state in the election held in 2015 and restore to him all the entitlements as the elected Governor of Abia.
Judge Abang had ruled as follows:
“It is hereby ordered that INEC, the third defendant should immediately issue certificate of return to Dr Samson Ogah as governor of Abia state in the election held in 2015 and restore to him all the entitlements as the elected governor of Abia.
“Dr Okezie Ikpeazu is hereby ordered to vacate office as governor of Abia immediately relying on the decision of the Supreme Court in INEC vs Obi”
Judge Abang held that the tax clearance certificate and income tax receipts submitted by Okezie Ikpeazu were unknown to the law and made him ineligible to contest the poll. He said that the 2011 tax clearance certificate and income tax receipt submitted to INEC by Ikpeazu prior to the 2014 PDP primaries were phoney.
