Court Strikes Out Suit Against Enugu Gov

A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, yesterday struck out a suit challenging Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime’s emergence as the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) standard bearer in the last governorship election.

Justice Adamu Bello said the plaintiff, Chief Alexander Chukwuemeka Obiechina, lacked the locus standi (legal right)  file the suit.

Justice Bello said since Obiechina did not participate in the primary election, he has no legal right to challenge its out-come.

Enugu residents took to the streets to celebrate Chime’s victory.

Bars, which usually open in the evening, started business as early as 10am.

A community leader in New Layout, Chief Ferdinand Ani, said: “The judgement is a big relief to us. Those litigants, who wanted to become governor through court rulings, have been distracting the government. I advise them to allow the governor concentrate on delivering the dividends of democracy to our people, otherwise, we will declare them persona non grata in Enugu.”

The PDP also congratulated the governor on his victory. In a statement by its Chairman, Chief Vita Abba, PDP said: “We congratulate our supporters for their prayers and confidence in the party and the state government while the court case lasted.

“We view today’s landmark judgement as a victory for democracy and all who believe in our dynamic governor.

“We thank the judiciary for its objectivity and reassure our members and the public that the government will continue to render good governance and ensure peace and rapid growth in our state.