From Abel Leonard, Lafia
No fewer than one hundred supporters of aggrieved APC chieftains, Barrister Labaran Magaji stormed the federal high court situated in Lafia the state capital on Wednesday in solidarity of suit filed against the All Progressive Congress APC in the just concluded Nasarawa west Senatorial districts election.
Recall that Daily Sun had reported that Labaran Magaji who contested and lost the APC primary election for Nasarawa West Senatorial districts against Architect Shehu Tukur had since approached the federal high court with case number FHC/LF/CS/11/22 to seek for justice alleging irregularities, deliberate tempering of delegate list to favour opponents among others.
The supporters who ware of different age grade ranging from the youth to the elderly were seen at the premises of the federal high court in solidarity of their candidate Barrister Labaran Magaji who was not in court but was represented by his Director Campaign organization, Hon. Yusuf Loko and many others.
The case was mentioned in the presence of the presiding high court judge, Hon. Justice Nehizina Idumudia Afolabi who stood down the case for 1pm after the defence council pleaded with the court to allow him file his responses accordingly.
Upon resumption for the hearing to commenced, council of the defense again seek for adjournment to enable them get appropriate documents on issues raised by the complainant which the judge was not too comfortable but in the interest of justice agreed with all the councils but cautioned on the need to respect the rules of the court and be professional in presentations.
She noted that “this honourable court will not condole unnecessary waste of time on the case considering the fact that it is time bound, we must respect the rules and avoid delay.”
She appealed to councils to ensure that all necessary documents are available on or before the next adjourned date as she would not entertain negligence.
“Whether you are ready for the heating or not the case will continue or i will seek for the case to be transferred.” She warned.
Justice Nehizina further adjourned the case to the 22, of July 2022 for hearing agreed by both the council of the defendant and that of the complainants.
Speaking shortly after the adjournment of the case, lead defence Council to the All progressive Congress, Barrister Oboshi Ogu who disclosed that the case was slated today for mentioning and hearing but fortunately they needed to get appropriate documents to back the argument raised by the complainant.
“As you can see the case was adjourned to the 22nd of this month to allow us get appropriate documents needed and we are optimistic that justice will be done. “
Also speaking, lead council to the complainant, Barrister Labaran Magaji, Barrister Gali Umar Ahmed who stated that they are ready for the case and would provide all the relevant documents available to prove their prayers and believed justice will be giving accordingly.
” because it is election matter, it is time bound 128 days to finish the case that is why you see the judge making it very clear that we must follow the rules to ensure that councils will not deliberately delay the case. We are ready and optimistic that justice will prevailed.”