From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
An Abia High Court sitting in Arochukwu has restrained the state Independent Electorial Commission (ABSIEC) from conducting the Abia State Local Government election which was billed for May 19.
One Nwabueze Onwuneme had, in suit No. HAR/8/2023, dragged ABSIEC, its Chairman, Mkpa Agu Mkpa, Attorney General of Abia State and Governor of Abia State to court, urging it to restrain the defendants from conducting the election, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The planned election, the plaintiff averred has generated so much argument with majority of Abia people viewing the election as an attempt by the outgoing government, led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, to set land mines for the incoming government of Alex Otti.
After listening to both parties, Justice Benson Anya of the Abia State High Court, Arochukwu Division, granted the order restraining the defendants from conducting the election, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The suit was adjourned to April 23 for the hearing of motion on notice.